The new 1,850m2 facility – three times bigger than its former site in the town – was formally opened last month. Ten new job roles are expected to be created in the first six months of 2019 as a result of the move.
The £1m investment would guarantee Chiltern would deliver the “great tasting” products its customers had come to expect, according to company owner The Food Solutions Group (TFSG).
Chiltern makes fresh salads, sandwich fillings and jacket potato fillings for retailers and foodservice, including a number of well-known restaurant chains.
New cutting machinery
Plans were in place to complement the “all brand new” factory with new cutting machinery, Chiltern Foods managing director Rob Pollard told Food Manufacture.
“We are seeing good growth and interest in our prepared salads and coleslaws – particularly around the health aspect of super grains and wholegrains, combined with Middle Eastern flavour profiles,” Pollard said.
TFSG chief executive Christoph Haschka said the company was “excited” to have the opportunity to take on a new site and grow its workforce and business.
“Aylesbury has been a fantastic location for us for decades now,” Haschka said. “Being so central, it enables great connections with customers, and means we can deliver the freshest products each day – something vital for all of our products.”
Local jobs welcomed
The new facility was opened by Aylesbury MP David Lidington. He said: “Aylesbury’s central location makes us an ideal choice for business, so I am delighted that Chiltern Foods has decided to continue to invest in its future with us and I particularly welcome the news about local jobs.
“This is good news for Aylesbury and I wish them every success for the future.”
Chiltern Foods was founded in 1991 as Chiltern Salads, before changing its name in 2011. Known for its special ranges of low-fat and calorie-controlled products, its offer also included scrambled egg and the New York-style meatball marinara.
The company also operates a small production unit in Heston, west London.