FRESH FOOD GIANT SET TO CREATE 180 JOBS

New arrival is keeping supermarkets supplied during coronavirus crisis

Up to 180 jobs are being created in Peterborough by a fresh food giant which has moved into the city.

AM Fresh has just taken up occupancy of a huge warehouse on the 180-acre distribution and manufacturing park at Roxhill at Gateway Peterborough.

The firm’s investment in the city has been described as ‘significant’ but the exact figure has not been disclosed.

Its decision to move to Peterborough was made after officials from the Department of International Trade had sought details from economic development company Opportunity Peterborough about the strength of the city’s agrifood sector.

The company, which already has premises in Chatteris and Alconbury, has been recruiting for full and parttime staff as it looks to keep the supermarkets supplied with fresh produce in the face of soaring demand by shoppers during the coronavirus pandemic.

Its recruitment campaign was launched under the banner of Feed the Nation and its search for staff is being supported by Opportunity Peterborough.

It is understood the company is likely to begin a second recruitment campaign in the summer and the new warehouse could have about 180 staff.

Tom Hennessy, chief executive of Opportunity Peterborough, said: “The significant investment from AM Fresh is fantastic news for Peterborough. In spite of the challenging times, Peterborough is still grabbing the attention of growing international companies which, crucially, is converting into real investment.’’

He said: “The city’s skilled workforce, its location on the doorstep of the A1, and affordable costs are a big part of its Peterborough’s appeal but there is also a well established food, drink, and agri-tech supply chain that will help AM Fresh develop and strengthen its operations.’’

Mr Hennessy added: “We are currently working with AM Fresh to support its recruitment drive and its sustainability programmes.

“We were contacted by the DIT to aid decision making with intelligence on the city’s offer for agri-food businesses.”

AM Fresh was created about 85 years ago and has operations at 20 sites across the world and employs a total of 5,700 people.

A spokesperson for AM Fresh was not available to comment.

The AM Fresh factory at Roxhill, in Peterborough.