Bakery creates jobs at £150k production site

The new jobs will be created in the next six months, with the potential to increase to 20 within 18 months.

The 762m² factory in Malton’s Navigation Wharf was developed by local property agent Fitzwilliam Estate. The unit will allow more space for Costello to produce its craft baking products for its shops in Malton and Driffield.

Owner James Costello told FoodManufacture.co.uk: “The new production facility will enable us to eventually increase production by up to 10 times our current output.

 ‘Expand our retail presence’

“The increased output and approved status will allow us to begin a new wholesale operation and to expand our retail presence. This is a fantastic opportunity for us to increase our offering and to sell our products to other high quality food retailers, restaurants and cafes.”

The facility is the first to open as part of Fitzwilliam Estate’s second phase of food production unit developments. The developments could see more artisan food producers move into the area.

Tom Naylor-Leyland, leader of the Malton food town project and heir to Fitzwilliam Estate, said the arrival of Costello’s would boost Malton’s credentials as a “foodie destination”.

‘Food capital of the north’

Costello added: “Over the past few years I have seen great things happening in Malton, some fantastic independent businesses have been created and it’s an honour to be a part of its development as the food capital of the north.”

Meanwhile, Clipper Tea is to expand its Beaminster factory, with the potential to double its workforce in the next five years, after securing permission from West Dorset District Council earlier this month.

West Dorset District Council case officer Andrew Martin said the immediate economic benefit of the proposed development would be to secure the existing 80 jobs on site, with the potential to double the workforce within five years.