A £2m expansion supported by the Welsh Government has doubled the size of Ready Foods’ manufacturing facility in Caernarfon and created more than 25 jobs.
This was published under the 2016 to 2021 administration of the Welsh Government
It marks the first phase of a major drive to increase turnover and output, improve efficiencies and reduce costs.
On a visit to Ready Foods today to mark the launch of the extension, Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Infrastructure Ken Skates said:
“I am delighted the Welsh Government was able to support the company’s expansion. It has not only created new jobs but the investment will help secure its long term sustainable future in the town.
“Ready Foods is a key employer in Caernarfon and makes an important contribution to the local economy, both directly and indirectly, which makes this investment such good news.”
The investment has also exceeded jobs targets. A £320,000 grant from the Welsh Government’s Economic Growth Fund was to support the capital investment and safeguard 73 jobs - the company has since created more than 25 jobs and now employs nearly 100 people.
The expansion has not only doubled the size of the facility, improved the layout and increased capacity with space for future growth, but also involved an investment in the latest technology and equipment.
Ready Foods currently produces 70,000 units a day with the aim of increasing this to 150,000 a day within two years.
Managing Director Iwan Thomas said:
“We have made a significant investment at our site and have a strong senior management team in place and are creating higher calibre jobs. Support from the Welsh Government was pivotal in taking our plans forward and securing the future of this facility.
“We now plan to increase efficiencies and embark on a programme of continuous improvement and develop the site to increase capacity and sales to meet our customers’ technical requirements for quality, cost and service.”
Ready Foods supply the pub and restaurant industry across the UK with a number of high profile clients ranging from a major restaurant group to wholesale distributors and retail. All product production is carried out in house with bespoke recipes developed for individual customers.
Ready Foods, part of the Meadow Vale Group, supports a number of service sector jobs in the area and is closely involved with the local community, supporting and sponsoring local organisations and charities.