UK – 2 Sisters Food Group, a food manufacturing company, has announced a US$9.11 million capital investment at its Carlisle prepared meals factory, creating 200 new jobs in a major economic boost to the region.

According to the company, the investment programme follows a major contract awarded by M&S to expand its product ranges with 2 Sisters.

More than 30 delicious new products will be developed at the site including Gastro and fish meals with vegetable accompaniments.

Production of fish meals has already begun while Gastro ranges and vegetable accompaniments will be launched in late 2018 and early 2019.

“Our vision is to create a truly world-class business who is trusted to deliver, so we are delighted such a prestigious customer as M&S recognise and value us as a reliable partner with the ability to create quality food, for the right price in a sustainable and transparent way,” said Ronald Kers, 2 Sisters Food Group CEO.

“Delicious, healthy, convenient and affordable food is increasingly being sought by consumers and our business can work extremely closely with customers like M&S to create own label brands that truly differentiate themselves from competitors.”

The company said that already being produced are ranges like British Salmon and asparagus and Gastro seafood casserole.

Dishes to come later in the year include Gastro ham & chicken crumble and Gastro Beef Bourguignon, plus more than a dozen potato accompaniment dishes.

As a result, a new state-of-the art vegetable processing facility is being created, which includes new cooling tunnels, steam-injected kettles for cooking and cooling sauces, new coating systems and two new automated packing lines.

“The team here at Cavaghan and Gray are enormously hard working and this investment will allow us to continue doing what we love, producing tasty, high quality food that customers love,” said William Duncanson, Meal Solutions business unit director.

“We are extremely proud to have worked closely with M&S for many years and to have been trusted with the production of even more exciting food ranges.

We take a huge amount of pride in creating their quality products.”

The 1,250 dedicated colleagues already working at the site will also benefit from new facilities including a new canteen and changing facilities.

“We are transforming our supply base to create a faster, more commercial network which will improve value and availability for our customers.

The new site extension at Carlisle will help us react more quickly to consumer tastes and develop and deliver great quality, innovative products to market,” said Kate Stein, Head of Food Technology at Marks & Spencer.

“It is fantastic to see that 2 Sisters are investing into our City.

The US$9.11 million capital investment into Cavvies will enable them to cater for the expansion of the product ranges they produce for M&S.

This will have a huge positive impact on their operations in Carlisle. It is also a demonstration of confidence in our local economy,” added John Stevenson, MP for Carlisle.

“The addition of 200 new jobs, for what is already a significant employer in Carlisle, will be a huge boost to our local work force, create opportunities for those looking for work and secure the future of a factory with a strong historical base in our city.”

More than 200 new jobs will be created for the region as a result of the new business win. Roles will be available in Operational, Technical and Supply Chain.