The production facility, Sprint 70, in Hunslet has been leased to ingredients producer Kent Foods, which will use the 6,503m2 facility to combine production from its two sites previously located in Garforth and Normanton.
The unit was previously occupied by Symingtons, which used the facility to make its Naked Noodle brand until last year. The company stopped production at the site following a restructuring of its operations.
The deal was brokered by real estate consultancy GVA, which worked on behalf of Kent Foods.
‘Acquisition of new premises’
Director at GVA’s Leeds office Rob Oliver said: “We were pleased to be instructed by Kent Foods to advise the company on the search and acquisition of new premises in the Leeds or Wakefield area.
“Acquisition instructions are always interesting, but it is particularly positive to be advising manufacturers on expanding their production facilities. The current market with its shortage of stock suits landlords rather than tenants and so options can sometimes be quite limited.”
Oliver said the producer had a number of site options in which to move, but Sprint 70 suited its needs best. Kent Foods will occupy the building on a sub-lease, which will expire in 2027.
Founded in 1992, Glasgow-based Kent Foods claimed to be one of Europe’s largest independent suppliers of sugars, sweeteners, dairy products, oils and fats to the food manufacturing industry.
‘Emergency calls’
Its Leeds operations focus on supplying to bakers and independent food manufacturers and specialises in last minute “emergency calls” for supplies.
Meanwhile, food manufacturer Apetito has invested £31M in its south-west factory to increase capacity and efficiency, creating about 40 jobs.
The company will extend its factory in Trowbridge, Wiltshire, and buy new cooking equipment. The catering firm said the investment would allow the company to continue growing, while providing staff with added job security.