A TROWBRIDGE company has just announced plans for a major investment at its Trowbridge site, resulting in job creation and an improved service.

apetito, which supplies meals for around 400 care homes and 400 hospitals in the UK, is set to invest £31m at its site in Canal Road, Trowbridge.

The investment will enable the company to continue to grow its business, supporting the UK economy in the process, and will create around 40 new jobs during the building of the expanded production facility.

Paul Freeston, chief executive of apetito, said: “As one of largest food manufacturers in the health and social care sector, we remain focussed on building our UK business and in doing so supporting the UK economy and our employees with job security.

“apetito is proud of its UK manufacturing base and the economic and social contribution that we make here in Britain, whether as an employer - or in the service we provide in delivering nutritious meals to elderly and vulnerable individuals.”

Detailed planning is now in progress and building will commence in 2018, with the expanded site due for full completion by 2020.

Baroness Scott of Bybrook, leader of Wiltshire Council, said: “This is really good news for Wiltshire and, in particular for Trowbridge.

“I am delighted that apetito as a leading national company has decided to invest further in its food manufacturing site in the county town.

“This major investment of £31 million is a huge boost to the local economy, securing the company’s presence here, and creating new jobs in the area.

“The council looks forward to continuing to work with apetito as a strategically important company, on this significant business growth programme.”

The investment will deliver a new business opportunity worth around £28million to a wide range of suppliers in the construction, design, manufacturing equipment supply and project management, enhanced manufacturing capacity.

It will also add improved manufacturing efficiency, state-of-the-art cooking facilities to deliver the highest standards of taste and nutrition and continued reduction in carbon footprint – delivering a 47 per cent reduction in carbon intensity.

Detailed planning is now in progress and building will commence in 2018 with the expanded site is due for full completion by 2020.

To learn more about apetito, read this week's Workplace Focus here: http://www.wiltshiretimes.co.uk/news/15170548.Trowbridge_company_serves_up_a_treat_for_both_customers_and_staff/