The manufacturer has committed to improve efficiency, overall capacity and create a single production site for all fresh and higher welfare pork operations at the site.
It is also injecting funds to support further growth and expansion in the future capabilities of the site, including new machinery and technologies in 2022.
Andrew Cracknell, CEO of Pilgrim’s UK, said: “The coronavirus outbreak has delayed the official opening of our site but it has not halted our plans for growth and we are pleased to announce investment and plans for expansion.
Commitment to local jobs
“This investment marks our commitment to the site and the local jobs it supports, which is great news for our business, the local community and our customers.”
Pilgrim’s UK’s Bromborough site supports more than 120 jobs in the local area across a wide range of operational roles, as well as engineering and technical apprenticeships.
The official opening for the site held on 30th September, in an event attended by Fabio Sandri, chief executive of Pilgrim’s Pride and Steve Murrells, chief Executive of Co-op Group.
Co-op supplier
Pilgrim’s UK supplies Co-op with 100% higher welfare, outdoor bread and RSPCA assured products, with the Bromborough site responsible for the majority of this supply.
“We look forward to working on ways to improve our products as part of our strategic partnership with Co-op, in which our Bromborough site plays a vital role,” Cracknell added.
Meanwhile, Pilgrim’s Pride announced the creation of a new chilled food group following the completion of its acquisition of Kerry Group’s consumer meats and meals business.
The former Kerry business will now trade as Pilgrim’s Food Masters, headed by former Kerry Foods chief executive Nick Robinson. Robinson will continue to lead the group’s 4,500 team members across the UK and Ireland, with plans to accelerate the current growth trajectory.