Deals mean pie-maker can fill 110 new roles
THE company behind one of Wales’ most iconic food products, the Peter’s Pie, is creating 110 new jobs after securing a number of new deals with leading UK brands and retailers.
As a result of the additional branded and “own brand” orders, Peter’s Food Service, based in Bedwas, will be moving to a two-shift operation later this month, resulting in the need to recruit the new staff.
With recruitment under way, discussions have been held with some staff made redundant following the collapse last week of Merthyr-based furniture firm Triumph.
The company currently employs 730 in Bedwas with annual revenues of £65m.
Last year it announced around 100 redundancies.
Peter’s Food Service managing director Mike Grimwood said: “The past few years have seen extremely challenging market conditions, particularly with an exceptional increase in raw material costs.
“Last year we announced a strategic review of our business to ensure its sustainability and ultimately future growth.
“As a result of this review a decision was taken to terminate several contracts which we considered unviable for the business, and to explore discussions with others where we identified mutually beneficial opportunities.
“In addition we have invested heavily in innovative products that will aid us to diversify into new product areas whilst maintaining the core heritage products that Peter’s is famous for.
“These new deals are a consequence of that on-going business review.”
Mr Grimwood paid tribute to Peter’s staff through a difficult two years and commended them for their work in helping to secure the significant new orders.
Mr Grimwood added: “Peter’s is an iconic Welsh brand and is an important employer in the local area with generations of the same family being part of the Peter’s team.
“Like many manufacturers we have experienced difficult times but with the support of our excellent and committed staff we have been able to shape a bright new future for Peter’s.”
For commercial reasons it said it couldn’t disclose the identity of its new customers.