Edwards of Conwy creates jobs in £2.6m expansion
The investment will see the company add a fourth production line fitted with ‘the latest state of the art equipment’, as well as additional chilled storage, a new product development kitchen, upgraded staff amenities and new offices.
Self-funded by the company – with additional support from the Welsh Government’s Rural Communities Development programme and a loan from HSBC – the expansion will enable Edwards to ramp up production of tis range of sausages, beef burgers, meatballs, bacon and gammon to more than 80 tons a week.
Rise in demand
Managing director Simon James said the expansion had become a necessity thanks to the rise in demand due to the coronavirus pandemic.
“As for many others, the last 18 months has been a huge challenge but we have worked tirelessly to respond to the extra demand created as a result of the pandemic,” said James. “We have always been able to adapt quickly, and we were able to ramp up production to do our part to feed the nation.
“We are aiming to have Edwards of Conwy products on as many supermarket shelves as we can so customers across Wales & beyond can feel like they can get the best our award winning shop has to offer without having to travel too far”.
Edwards of Conwy supplies all the major supermarkets and can be found in more than 600 stores across Wales, as well as at the original butcher’s shop in Conwy High Street where founder Ieuan Edwards began the business in 1984.
Trusted supplier
James added: “We are very fortunate because we are trusted and valued by both the supermarkets and our loyal customers and our focus in the next five years is to grow our range in Welsh supermarkets, the UK and online.
“We have always found our retailer partners to be very supportive of what we do and that’s also been very true of the Welsh Government. Edwards is seen as a good investment which is why we have been supported in by their Rural Development Program.”
Meanwhile, potato packer R S Cockerill has completed a £3m investment into its site in Dunnington, North Yorkshire, as it celebrates 21 years if working with machinery supplier Haith.
