Pilgrim’s UK is investing £1.8 million in its Bodmin, Cornwall, site as it looks to maximise operational capacity and progress towards net zero CO2 emissions.
The cash injection is part of plans to invest over £10 million into sustainability projects over the next year. It has funded new high-speed packing lines and a storage racking system – which has increased overall pallet size by 20% to 120 spaces.
According to the meat supplier, the site is now able to process more than 400 tonnes of gammon per week and 80 tonnes of cooked bacon.
In a bid to reach net zero CO2 emissions in its operations by 2030, Pilgrim’s has also invested in greenhouse gas reduction projects to decrease electricity and gas usage on-site.
The Bodmin factory uses LED lighting, sourcing 53% of its power from rooftop solar panels. Additional plans include adding panels throughout the site with the aim of being completely off-grid during generating hours.
Daniel Inch, site director at Pilgrim’s UK, said: “Our Bodmin factory plays a vital role in the Pilgrim’s UK network. This package of investment forms part of our ongoing strategic focus on enhancing operations and increasing capacity across our UK business while taking important strides towards our net zero commitment.”
He added: “Investing in state-of-the-art equipment and renewable tech like this, alongside nurturing our 270-strong team of dedicated people, while encouraging new talent into the industry, is key to ensuring a bright future for our Bodmin site”.
Simon Taylor, commercial director at Pilgrim’s UK, commented: “This new investment has unlocked further potential and is attracting new customers keen to improve the quality of their cooked bacon range”.
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