Winterbotham Darby invests £5m in second plant-based factory

Winterbotham Darby is opening a second plant-based factory at its Milton Keynes site to support its Squeaky Bean brand.

The investment, valued at £5 million, will see boost the site’s distribution and production capabilities in the chilled plant-based market, and create more than 100 jobs. 

Combined both Milton Keynes sites will have a 73,000ft² footprint. The installation will also feature a griller, opening up additional opportunities for new product lines to be created. 

Squeaky Bean has launched more than 14 products in the past 12 months – including the recent launch of its Chargrilled Mini Fillets. 

Tom Faulkner, head of plant-based at Winterbotham Darby, said: “Demand for plant-based produce is increasing rapidly and in recent months our operations have been stretched to capacity. Opening our second plant-based factory will help us to fulfil both existing and new opportunities and is testament to our belief in the category.”

He continued: “As UK consumers’ expectations of plant-based food increase, more people are discovering how Squeaky Bean Chargrilled Mini Fillets offer all the taste and texture of real chicken – but are made entirely from plants. Our additional production capacity will support strong demand for these products and allow us to introduce these and the rest of the range, to a bigger audience than ever before.”