UK sourdough producer Jason’s Sourdough has unveiled a new £36 million facility, which it said would double its production capacity and create 380 jobs.

Jason’s Sourdough said that the Leicester-based expansion represented a “significant step forward” in the company’s ongoing growth strategy, with the new site aiming to boost total headcount to 950 by year end – nearly quadrupling the workforce in four years.

The products are now available in 4,000 stores across the UK, with the brand achieving 107% value growth in the past 12 months, now accounting for around half of the company’s turnover.

Alongside site expansion, the business is continuing to invest in workforce capability, with 13 apprentices currently enrolled across bakery, engineering and operations, and eight new lead bakers being recruited.

Jason Geary, fourth generation Master Baker of Geary’s Bakery and Jason’s Sourdough, commented: “This allows our business to move to the next chapter of our growth. The demand for Jason’s Sourdough and real artisanal bread continues to grow, and we are constantly inspired by how much people love our bread.

“This new site enables us to get our products into more stores and in more homes – while staying true to the quality and craft that set us apart.

“This new facility is a vital part of achieving our ambition to make proper bread more accessible to more people.”