The unit features the latest in lighting and refrigeration technology and boasts a capacity for more than 700 pallets.
Palethorpes Bakery said it was currently recruiting for more than 100 new jobs at the centre.
The site requires additional staff across the full range of operational positions offered on full- and part-time shifts, days and nights.
The company said that salaries ranged from £15,676 to £21,922 per annum dependent on shift patterns and experience.
Investment
“This is a very exciting time for us here at Palethorpes Bakery, with over £1m investment in improving our distribution capacity and the creation of over 100 new jobs,” said Jason Page, HR manager from Palethorpes Bakery.
“We’re actively involved in the local community here in Market Drayton and are interested to hear from candidates who want to find out about the exciting opportunities we have to offer.”
In addition, the bakery said it had started an outreach programme with The Grove School, in conjunction with IGD Feeding Britain’s Future, which aims to help the next generation and equip them with skills for work.
Advice for school-leavers
The hope is that the programme, which offers school-leavers career advice, will develop a pipeline of young people who could be directed to a career with the company.
The Palethorpes Bakery now has more than 650 employees. It is owned by the Addo Food Group, the producer of chilled savoury pastry products in the UK
Addo employs more than 2,500 people based across its six UK sites – Tottle Bakery, Riverside Bakery, Spalding Bakery, Palethorpes Bakery, Poole Bakery and Dorset Foods.
The distribution centre is officially being opened today (14 June 2018) by Market Drayton’s Mayor, Mark Whittle, and Addo Food Group’s dispatch employees Louisa James and Alex Birch.