Food firm creates 200 jobs
ANOTHER 150 COULD FOLLOW LATER IN YEAR
A BUSINESS that stores, packs and distributes chilled food for other suppliers has created 200 jobs at a new base, and plans a further 150 this year.
Oakland International invested £4 million last year fitting out a 225,000 sq ft unit at Bardon.
The site has capacity to store and move 24,000 pallets and could eventually create 400 jobs.
The family-run business is a specialist in contract food packing, storage, picking and distribution, as well as brand development.
It works with clients sending out fresh, chilled and frozen food to the retail, convenience, discount, wholesale and food service markets in the UK, Ireland and, via a partner,
Spain. Distribution director Martin Pearson said since the move it had seen a big rise in inquiries from food manufacturers in and around the region because of Bardon’s central location.
He said the most significant business win had been securing a contract to store chilled packaged meat to go out to retail.
In addition to the 25 million cases of meat the site handles, it is also processing and distributing more than 50,000 chilled recipe boxes per week to be sent to homes.
Mr Pearson said: “Along with the storage and picking capability, we were aware the location of the Coalville site also presented an optimum solution for food manufacturers looking to pick their own orders on to pallets for onward distribution to retailer and wholesaler customers.
“We welcome these inquiries as this volume is entirely complimentary to our site volume distribution operations and the synergies it provides allows us to drive costs down across the supply chain for the benefit of all.”
Plans are in place to install solar panels as part of the company’s focus towards becoming the first carbon-neutral business within its sector.
Oakland employs 600 people, with a head office in Redditch, and operations in Corby, Dublin and Worksop, in Nottinghamshire.