New jobs for Peterborough as dairy supplier invests in multi-million pound expansion.

Dairy supplier Meadow Foods, based in Third Drive, Fengate, has bought a huge plot of land adjacent to its manufacturing site to create new production facilities.

The cost of the development has not been revealed but the new 2.5 acre acquisition will double the size of the Meadows Foods' site to five acres.

The expansion will allow the business to increase its production by more than 60 per cent and give it the option for developing new product lines.

A Customer Innovation Centre as well as improved employee facilities will also be built on the new site.

When completed, Meadow Foods, which currently employs people, 70 people, will recruit an extra 50 staff.

The expansion comes as demand for Meadow Foods' products continues to grow.

The site, which was acquired by Meadow Foods in 2009, serves as the company's fresh ingredients division and makes more than 85,000 tonnes of cream, crème fraiche and yogurt for food manufacturing businesses as well as the food service sector.

It has also recently launched a range of custards from the Peterborough site.

Mark Chantler, Meadow Foods' chief executive, said: "The expansion of our factory at Peterborough is a key part of our strategic growth plans.

"We have doubled our sales volumes at Peterborough in the last five years and have added to our product range with the addition of fresh custards.

"This development is essential to meet demand and allow us to increase our product lines and capabilities.

"Bringing new investment and jobs to the area is also illustrative of our commitment to the region and the product range we make there.”

The investment has been made through private equity firm Exponent, which is helping Meadow Foods deliver it growth plan through organic expansion and acquisition.

It follows a £3 million investment last year to automate the plant, increase capacity and improve efficiency, quality and service.

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