Bakeaway have applied for planning permission to develop a new factory site in Corby, where they hope to create plenty of new jobs for the local workforce.
Councillors are new reviewing the application from the pastry manufacturer.
New site potential
Bakeaway say that their new site has the potential to create what they call a ‘large number’ of food jobs. It will be a brand-new 8,600m2 building on ground which is currently sitting empty behind the Napier Road industrial estate. Currently used as industrial waste land only, it would become home to four silos, a roof plant, infrastructure, the main factory, and associated offices.
Their existing facility is also in Corby, and is situated less than a mile away from the proposed spot for the new production site. This will help to keep the current jobs within the local area, meaning that no one will be left without a job because of the move. Additionally, it should benefit the local economy due to the introduction of new additional positions within their staff.
“The proposed development will enable Bakeaway to expand their operations in Corby, ensuring the business can suitably grow without re-locating too far from their current premises within Corby. The proposed unit represents a sustainable expansion of the business into the heart of England,” read part of the document submitted along with their planning application. “The proposal seeks to generate a large number of new employment positions within Corby at a range of levels. The direct and indirect benefit of additional employment is a significant economic and social benefit for Corby and North Northamptonshire.”
Miracle turnaround
Remarkably, the company has managed to reach a position of growth and expansion after being on the chopping block just four years ago. They were bought out of administration at that time, which came as a great relief to the workforce. Sixty jobs in a range of positions, including executive food jobs all the way down to line workers, were saved by an eleventh hour rescue bid.
The restructuring and advisory firm FRP Advisory had stepped in to try to save the company. Director Nathan Jones and partner Steve Stokes were then able to sell the business, along with the accompanying assets under the name Bakeaway Limited, to a holding company called House of Vantage Limited. Since then, the finances have been turned around and the company has once again moved to a strong and profitable position.
Bakeaway was first established in 2011 under the original ownership. They produce and supply their own label baking products to supermarkets across the UK. The range, which is not available internationally, includes a variety of pastries and baked goods. They are keen to source sustainable ingredients where possible, adding to their appeal for modern consumers who want a more green shopping experience.
It is not yet clear what level of positions will be made available when the factory site opens, nor indeed has any estimate been given of when that will be. The company must first get their planning permission approved before they decide to go ahead with the project, announcing a start and proposed end date for the project’s construction. It is therefore likely that they won’t be moving in during 2019, but there has been no word as to whether they might wish to start expanding their workforce ahead of the move.
An expansion of their product range may be on the cards when they have more equipment and lines to help produce them, or it may be a case of producing higher numbers of their existing items.
