2 minute read - 15th August 2023
Around Noon creates 200 jobs at new Slough factory
Food-to-go manufacturer Around Noon is set to open a major new factory in Slough, creating up to 200 new jobs as part of its latest investment plan.
The company, which recently acquired the North London-based Soho Sandwich Company, has also enjoyed strong organic growth in recent times, including securing a series of large contracts in the travel, food service and coffee sectors.
As a result of this organic growth and to facilitate future expansion, the company has acquired a new circa 30,000 sq ft factory at Slough Trading Estate, which will become the group’s sixth manufacturing facility. The new factory will allow the company to increase its manufacturing capacity in Slough alone by circa £50m.
Food-to-go manufacturer Around Noon is opening its sixth factory, which will see 200 new jobs created / Picture: Around Noon
Alongside the increase in factory capacity, the company will also bring its total headcount across the group to more than 1,000, following the creation of 200 new jobs. In total, 300 of the 1,000 people will be based in Slough.
Gareth Chambers, CEO of Around Noon, said: “We have grown our run rate at Around Noon in Slough from £4million per annum in 2018 to around £30m per annum today. We now manufacture over 400,000 products per week at the existing Slough factory and we are really pleased to have secured additional premises at Slough Trading Estate to support our ongoing growth.”
The new facility, located on the SEGRO-owned Slough Trading Estate, is undergoing a major renovation in line with the developer’s ‘Responsible SEGRO’ framework to champion low-carbon growth.
Sustainability features include an EPC rating of A+, photovoltaic panels installed on the roof providing electricity, energy efficient LED light fittings throughout, a heating and comfort cooling system, mechanical ventilation and water reducing products in the WCs, shower facilities to encourage more employees to cycle to work, and electric vehicle charging points.
James Craddock, managing director for Thames Valley at SEGRO, added: “Around Noon is a strong, growing business and we’re very pleased to have been able to accommodate them in this upgraded facility and enable their business growth, particularly at a time when the vacancy rate at Slough Trading Estate remains very low at 2.7%.”
Around Noon Group was founded in Newry, Northern Ireland over 30 years ago and produces a range of chilled, hot, frozen and bakery products from five manufacturing sites across the UK and Ireland. With facilities in Newry, Slough and North London, Around Noon serves a range of clients including airlines, coffee chains and caterers.