AC Goatham & Son is investing £8 million in new cold storage and fruit-processing facilities at its Flanders Farm site in Kent.
The expansion, which is also set to streamline current processes and allow a better use of existing buildings and the site, will create an extra 15 full-time jobs and over 200 seasonal positions over the next two years.
It will also help extend the season for Kent-grown produce on supermarket shelves, according to the company.
The expansion takes place alongside a large-scale planting project totalling 268,500 new fruit trees in Medway and a further 280,000 across Kent.
Director Clive Goatham said: “Earlier this year we set out our plans for the business and its expansion when we published a 20-year strategic review. We have spent the last six months briefing and consulting with local parish councils, Medway Council and local residents. We are delighted to announce this further investment into Flanders Farm and we will be creating a number of new jobs.”
He continued: “The use of technology and sustainable farming methods to reduce waste in the business has been key in helping it to grow and will be incorporated into the new phase buildings. The farm has already been able to reduce the use of nitrogen in the orchards, reduce water consumption, increase water recycling and reduce the carbon footprint of all areas of the business.
“As a business we currently contribute an annual GVA of £12m to the local Medway economy and this will rise to £28m over the next 20 years, and this new phase is key to achieving this growth. This growth is also a great opportunity for Medway as a region, which is really leading the way in the top-fruit industry.”
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