Nomad Foods said its investment is a sign of commitment to UK food manufacturering and responds to consumer demand for waffles and other frozen vegetables
European frozen food giant Nomad Foods is investing £2.2 million in a new potato waffle production line at its factory in Lowestoft that will significantly increase output.
The company, which owns frozen food brands including Birds Eye and Findus, said the investment in the site will see potato waffle capacity increase to 18,250 tonnes annually, and is part of its long-term productivity programme announced last year.
This investment will see total waffle capacity increase to approximately 18,250 tonnes annually – equivalent to nearly 45 million potato waffles - driven by a brand-new line designed to ensure enhanced delivery of British household staples.
Other recent investments at the site include £12mn in chicken processing and plans for an on-site wind turbine.
“This latest investment at our Lowestoft site is testament to our long-term commitment to UK food manufacturing,” said Nomad Foods’ chief supply officer, Eduardo Bachiega.
”By increasing our production capacity we’re directly responding to consumer demand for household favourites, such as potato waffles, that are already being manufactured 24/7 at the factory.
“At a time of increasing pressure on global food systems, as well as ongoing cost-of-living challenges for consumers, we continue to invest in our operations ensuring key frozen food categories such as fish, vegetables, chicken and potatoes remain an accessible food choice for families across the UK and Europe,” he added.
The Lowestoft site, which began operations in 1949, covers more than 25 acres and is the largest private sector employer in the area. It produces Birds Eye potato waffles and frozen peas among other household staples, with around 15 per cent exported to meet increasing consumer demand across Europe.
