UK – Tulip Ltd, a subsidiary of the global meat processing company, Danish Crown is investing US$3.01 million (£2.3 million) in its Ruskington scotch egg and snacks factory in the UK.
According to the company, the investment will support increased capacity to address growing demand for its snack products and drive innovation at the production facility.
Ruskington plant manufactures scotch egg products and is one of the leading producers of cocktail sausages in the UK employing about 450 workers.
It also produces a range of mini-filled bites and seasonal products, targeting a niche market in the UK.
Tulip said the project will allow Ruskington to create a smaller specialist factory on-site to bring niche products to store quickly and efficiently.
It will also provide greater capacity for higher-volume lines, better equipping the site to meet the demands for further growth in the snacking category.
The company has appointed a new site director, Ian Bagnall who will oversee the investment.
“We’re really pleased to announce this investment at our world-leading Ruskington site. This will future-proof the site and help us lead the way on innovation alongside our retail partners,” said Tulip operating director Shaun Kay.
“This investment will support the continued growth we have seen in our core product lines thanks to a resurgence in popularity of non-pastry traditional snacks such as Scotch eggs and savoury bites.
“We are also investing in a dedicated facility and state-of-the-art equipment to support the development of a range of niche products, which can be more complex to produce.”
In December 2018, Tulip completed a £8m (US$10 million) investment at its abattoir in Ashton, Greater Manchester, to increase production operations at the site and support the company’s higher welfare strategy in the UK market.
Earlier this year, it partnered with UK pork snacks brand Snaffling Pig to release a range of gammon steaks.
“We have recognised how eating habits have changed, including a growth in food to go and high-protein snacking,” said Andrew Cracknell, who was appointed Tulip CEO last year.
“Investment in our Ruskington site shows how we are driving growth in the snacking category, offering products containing a variety of protein, flavours and dips to appeal to younger consumers, whilst also future-proofing more traditional snacking options.
“At the same time, this enhanced capability and capacity will ensure outstanding service delivery and quality levels for our customers.”
In 2014, the company invested a similar amount at its Wednesbury factory, creating 80 jobs.
