CSM Bakery Solutions completes multi-million pound UK factory extension

07-Aug-2017 - Last updated on 08-Aug-2017 at 11:21 GMT

CSM Bakery Solutions has invested millions of pounds into expanding its Bradford facility that produces macaroons, among other baked goods, for the UK market. Pic: ©iStock/omega77

Bakery ingredients supplier CSM Bakery Solutions has finished renovations at its Bradford, UK, bakery, which will lead to 100 jobs being created over the next three months.

The Atlanta, Georgia-headquartered company invested more than £9m ($11.72m) in the UK site to extend the facility as well as buy new equipment and machinery.

The Bradford factory produces ‘mini-bite’ baked goods like chocolate brownies, cookies, shortbread and macaroons for the UK market.

Job availability

According to Kevin Barnes, site manager of the factory, the bakery currently produces around 13,000 tons of products each year.

“We have opportunities for people to join us in all areas of the business, from the shop floor to research and development, food science and technology, and pathways to become supervisors or managers,” he said.

The Bradford factory is one of six in the UK. The company manages a total of 34 manufacturing facilities, 26 distribution centers and four innovation centers around the world, employing more than 8,500 staff.

The $3bn bakery giant produces a range recognized bakery brands including Brill, Henry & Henry, MeisterMarken, Multifoods and Waldkorn.

Pamplona buys BakeMark

Earlier this month, CSM Bakery Solutions sold its BakeMark business to Pamplona Capital Management for an undisclosed amount.

According to CSM’s president and CEO Marianne Kirkegaard, the sale was an important step in advancing the company’s strategy to focus on its business in the EU and North America.

“This sale will help us support our goal of further strengthening our core business in Europe and North America by focusing on our value added bakery products and ingredients portfolio,” she said.

BakeMark is a bakery ingredient supplier and manufacturer of mixes, fillings, icings, glazes, flour, sugar, shortening, dairy, eggs and gourmet chocolate branded products under the brands Westco, Trigal Dorado, BakeSense, BakeQwik and C’est Vivant.

The California-based company supplies the products to its network of 25 branches located across the US and Canada.

Jim Parker will remain as president and CEO of BakeMark.

This is fifth investment by Pamplona’s $15b private equity fund. Pamplona has offices in London, Boston and New York.