The new factory’s production space is more than 130m2, allowing the vegan confectionery maker to “dramatically” increase the number of bars its produces daily.
The increased production and warehousing space would also allow Moo Free to ship its chocolate more quickly to its customers in more than 30 countries around the world, it claimed.
A dedicated new product development room will also be installed at the new factory, with plans to create new chocolate products for the vegan and free-from markets.
‘Quicker than we could have imagined’
Commenting on the new site, sales and marketing director Mike Jessop said: “Thanks to the loyalty of our customers and our exceptional staff, Moo Free has grown quicker than we could have imagined. We’ve been manufacturing in Devon for just three years and we’re already having to open a second factory.”
Moo Free has been manufacturing premium milk chocolate alternatives since 2010. The company has grown rapidly due to year-on-year increases in demand for its vegan and organic chocolates, which are also free from milk, lactose, wheat, gluten and soya. The company’s Holsworthy factory was opened in June 2014.
Expanding their premises
There have been a number of investments by food and drink manufacturers into expanding their premises over the past month.
Portsmouth-based sauces and soups manufacturer Quattro Foods is to create 18 new jobs, following an investment of more than £300,000 in a new site.
Cheese supplier Dairygold Food Ingredients acquired an ambient storage site and office space in a deal worth £1.2m.
Meanwhile, in March, ABP Food Group’s renewables division Olleco has announced the acquisition of an anaerobic digestion facility at Westcott Park, Buckinghamshire, from waste-to-product business Renewi, for an undisclosed sum.