Food manufacturer Avara Foods is spending record sums at its processing site in Brackley, Northamptonshire, with an £11 million investment into production and staff facilities.

The investment will focus on equipping and fitting out a new packing hall to improve product throughput, with new conveyors, automated handling systems and an ergonomic workspace design being installed to increase efficiency, improve colleague experience and boost the site’s operations.

Staff facilities will also be refurbished to include a canteen, refurbished changing areas, lockers and shared working spaces. This aspect of the site-wide investment programme is due to be completed in Spring 2021.

These investments have created new roles across many areas of the site’s functions, with over 60 vacancies in production, hygiene and quality control being made available.

“Covid-19 has changed the way we work, but we’re proud to continue feeding the nation during these challenging times.”

Andy Dawkins, chief executive officer at Avara Foods, said: “We’ve had a home in Brackley since the early ‘70s, and this planned investment is proof of our long-term commitment to both our people and customers.

“Where others in the market are delaying the implementation of plans for growth due to uncertainty around Brexit, we’re forging ahead with a comprehensive capital investment programme in which we plan to spend over £100m on improving our British operations over the next three years, solidifying our position as a leader in poultry processing.”

Claire Tarvit, site manager at Avara Foods, Brackley, added: “This is the largest single investment we’ve ever made at Brackley and it’s an exciting step forwards for the company. We firmly believe steady investment in our people, facilities and technology is the best way to sustain growth and offer our people greater career opportunities; the automation of certain processes allows greater opportunities for more skilled roles in maintaining and monitoring equipment performance.

“Covid-19 has changed the way we work, but we’re proud to continue feeding the nation during these challenging times. We’ve implemented strict safety controls and distancing policies throughout the site, keeping our colleagues safe as they work. We’re really looking forward to welcoming new people to the company, as these exciting improvements are completed at our Brackley plant.”