Britain’s biggest food manufacturer has invested £10 million in new technology and innovation as it ramps up the capabilities of its prepared meals facility in South Wales.
2 Sisters Food Group’s Rogerstone site – the biggest prepared meals facility in Europe – now has a dedicated Oriental foods “pod”, which was completed ahead of the Chinese New Year. This will act as the foundation for sustained growth and momentum for the business’ Meal Solutions division.
The new “pod” will enable the site to grow and innovate so it can continue to push the boundaries of what is possible within prepared meals. The new automated coating line and latest cooling technology will enable Rogerstone to supply a greater variety of meal options with improved consistency and better eating quality by optimising the production process at critical points.
The new in-line cooling system has also reduced the sites environmental footprint and the investment has given a boost to the site’s ongoing commitment to continuous improvement of its colleagues.
Simon Wookey, Meal Solutions MD said: “The significant investment in Rogerstone will lay the foundations for the future and acknowledges the loyalty and capability of our colleagues in South Wales.”
“We are investing millions in our factories and embedding a cross functional lean culture to deliver a gold standard performance.”
The commitment to roll out the lean manufacturing programme is evident throughout the site, made famous by its high quality chilled prepared meals for M&S, as the teams huddle around the boards that record and monitor regular performance.
Lisa Hancock, site general manager, can see the benefits already: “We’ve always been very proud and passionate of what we do here at Rogerstone and colleagues are now thinking differently following the investment, constantly looking at how we can improve the quality and consistency of our products for the benefit of our customers.”
“The new extension has been great news to the site on many levels and this will allow us to build on our recipe for success.”
An M&S spokesperson added: “Working with our suppliers to invest in our supply chain as we grow our food business is an important part of our strategy. The new Oriental hub at Rogerstone Park is an important step forward for the site and one that will help deliver innovative and exciting meals for our customers.”