A West Lancashire based fruit juice and sauce manufacturer is set to create 13 new jobs, with support from a Government grant.
Fruitapeel in Skelmersdale produce various juices, smoothies and fruit sauces, supplying their products to the retail and food service sectors.
They spotted an opportunity for further growth through the production of aseptic products, a process which eliminates bacteria in food, and extending product shelf life through an ultra clean process. The investment in new aseptic production technology makes Fruitapeel one of the only manufacturers of such products in the UK, and will enable them to enter new markets with bigger customers as well as supporting their existing business.
To help purchase the required machinery, Fruitapeel were able to source a non-repayable £150,000 grant through Regenerate Pennine Lancashire, supported by the Government’s Regional Growth Fund.
As a result of the project, Fruitapeel expect to increase their staff level from 37 to 50.
Terence Haigh, Managing Director at Fruitapeel, said:
“The assistance from Regenerate has helped us to reach this point far faster than we would have otherwise. Overall production capacity will increase by 20% as a result of the new technology, enabling us to create 9 jobs almost immediately across production, sales and finance with the remaining jobs to follow in the next 18 months.”
Regenerate can help eligible businesses within Lancashire access non repayable grants from £5,000 to £1million. For more information on available grants and services click here.
