The Rural Development Programme for England is supplying the funding, with support from the council’s Skills and Growth Company. The cheese-maker said it would fuel its £1.5m growth project, including the creation of a 1,068m2 purpose-built packing and storage facility on-site.
Cheshire East Council leader Rachel Bailey took part in a ceremonial turf-cutting ceremony to mark the start of the firm’s expansion project.
‘New jobs boost’
Commenting on the funding, she said: “I am passionate about helping our rural businesses to thrive across the borough. This project will provide a very welcome new jobs boost and help us grow our expertise and reputation as the UK’s premier centre of excellence for cheese manufacturing.”
Established in 1984 in Nantwich by managing director John Bailey, JS Bailey has grown from a small family firm to a supplier of cheese to the catering and foodservice industry nationwide and overseas.
By 2000, the company had outgrown its original space and moved to premises in nearby Calveley, with a growing range of continental and flavoured cheeses.
‘Substantial grant’
Bailey added: “This ceremony marks the next exciting chapter in the growth of the business. We are very grateful for the support we have received from the council and the Skills and Growth Company, to help make this all possible and for helping us secure such a substantial grant.”
Last month saw a number of investments by food and drink companies to support the future growth of their businesses.
This week, Crediton Dairy announced a £12m investment in its milk drinks plant in Devon to boost capacity and expand its capabilities, amid plans to develop a range of enriched functional milks.
Meanwhile, Leicestershire-based Geary’s Bakeries has invested £15m in a new bakery facility in a bid to keep up with increased demand for its products.
