Burts doubles capacity and creates jobs in £6m factory investment

The past year has seen the company install two new fryers, one new bagging system and 14 compression poppers – for the creation of its Lentil Chips – as well as doubling potato storage capacity and updating handling operations.

These improvements to the siter have resulted in the creation of 16 new jobs for frying and popping operatives.

Meeting demand for Burts crisps

Dave McNulty, managing director at Burts, said: “It’s an exciting time for the business, and the investment means we’re able to double our capacity at our Leicester site to keep up with the demand of our products. ​

“The improvement this will have on our manufacturing capabilities will allow us to continue to grow and innovate at a time where we want to continue building the momentum in the snacking category.”​

Burts is complementing its £6m investment into its Leicester site by further developing its sustainability programme. This will include reducing its UK packaging, obtaining electricity from a local Devon solar farm and sourcing all its potatoes within an 85-mile radius of its Plymouth HQ.

Sustainability journey

“We know that there is still a long way to go in terms of sustainability for the business, but we are confident these changes are a step in the right direction for the business and the planet, without compromising on our great tasting hand-cooked snacks,”​ McNulty added.

The crisp manufacturer was acquired by European snack producer Europe Snacks earlier this year in a deal designed to better serve its existing clients and ‘unlock growth through a wider offer of snacking products’. Burts continues to operate from its two manufacturing sites in Leicester and Plymouth.

Keep your eyes peeled for Food Manufacture’s exclusive tour of Burts’ Plymouth site as part of our Me and My Team video series later this year.

Meanwhile, Coca-Cola Europacific Partners has officially opened its new state-of-the art canning line in Sidcup, London​​ as part of £28m investment.