Phoenix Brands invests £1.5M in new factory

Biscuit manufacturer Phoenix Brands has invested £1.5M in a new factory in Wolverhampton, with plans to hire an additional 10 staff. 

The company is to move from its current headquarters in Bilston to its new 2,787m2 premises in Monmore Park industrial estate.

Owner Andy Richards said the move would be completed by the end of this year and would allow the company to meet increased demand.

‘Greater production flexibility’

“The new site will allow us to deliver more in terms of an improved production and working environment and greater production flexibility,” said Richards. “We needed to have everyone under one roof.

“We are investing in a new, purpose-built baking and processing line bristling with all the latest technology. This will allow us to continue to increase production, develop new products and improve service to our customers.”

A majority of the investment will be spent on a new £1M production line for the factory.

Richards added: “Monmore Park is in a good position and local to where our staff live. I am excited about what the new machinery can offer and look forward to the challenges our customers will present us with.”

‘Look forward to the challenges’

Commercial property specialist Bulleys handled the deal for Phoenix. Edward Jenkinson, agency surveyor at Bulleys said: “Phoenix Brands is a well-respected business in the food products industry.

“It has outgrown its current site and we are very pleased to have attracted it to Monmore Park, enabling it to meet its specific requirements.”

Established in 1998, Phoenix Brands develop and produce biscuit and crumb products for use in the food industry, including digestives and butter shortbread. It currently employs 30 members of staff.

Meanwhile, Snack manufacturer Fairfield Farm Crisps has signed a dealwith equipment provider Fabcon Food Systems for an undisclosed amount to expand the production capabilities at its factory in Essex.