Bakery and desserts processor Elisabeth the Chef has begun a multi-million pound expansion of its desserts manufacturing capability.
Plans include creating a new facility next to its head office in Leamington Spa. The new factory will become the sole desserts unit of the business, eventually leading to the transfer of desserts operations from nearby sites in Southam and St Mary’s Road.
The business, which boasts an annual turnover of £90M, was bought by French dairy concern The Senoble Group last year. Its owner aims to incorporate its technology into the firm’s more traditional, hand-finished operations.
The developments will inevitably lead to increased automation and potential redundancies and Elisabeth the Chef is consulting with employees over anticipated changes.
“We are looking to become a sophisticated manufacturer of a wide range of top quality desserts - including all our present range, but adding new lines with that little touch of continental excitement,” said chief executive Bill Haywood. “We plan to begin detailed discussions with our trade colleagues within the next month or so about what attractions the new investment might bring.”
Operations at the company’s Broadheath bakery site in Worcester will be largely unaffected.