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Avara Foods to increase productivity with £11m investment
Avara Foods is investing over £11m at its processing site in Brackley, Northamptonshire – the site’s largest single investment to date.
The firm, which supplies chicken, turkey and duck to supermarkets and restaurants, is using the bulk of the investment at Brackley to equip and fit out a new packing hall to improve product throughput. New conveyors, automated handling systems and an ergonomic workspace design all combine to increase efficiency, improve colleague experience and boost the site’s operations.
These investments have created new roles across many areas of the site’s functions, with over 60 vacancies in production, hygiene and quality control currently open, and drivers and forklift drivers also sought. The news also comes less than a week after the firm announced it was recruiting for over 100 roles across a range of departments and functions at its Telford site.
Avara Foods is investing £11m at its Brackley site to improve productivity, increase efficiency and boost the site’s operations / Picture: Avara Foods
Further work is being undertaken to enhance staff facilities, including a modern canteen, and refurbished changing areas, lockers and shared working spaces. The kitchens will be extended and refitted, and the reception area renovated. This aspect of the site-wide investment programme is due to be completed in spring 2021.
Claire Tarvit, site manager at Avara Foods Brackley, said: “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.”
Andy Dawkins, chief executive officer at Avara Foods, added: “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.”