prewetts

NFF produces the Prewett’s brand

Gluten-free biscuit maker Northumbrian Fine Foods has announced a £1.2m investment in improved baking production capabilities, creating about 40 extra jobs at the company’s Gateshead facility.

The move is the result of soaring demand for free-from biscuits that has seen turnover increase over the past five years by 80%, said NFF, owner of the Prewett’s brand.

A new baking oven – set to be fully operational by September – is expected to increase production capacity by 40% and will principally focus on the manufacture of ‘indulgent’ cookies, rotary moulded biscuits and bake bars. The additional jobs created by the investment will see total employment at the plant increase to about 200 people.

“This investment is great news for Gateshead and is testament to the hard work of everyone at Northumbrian Fine Foods,” said managing director Stewart McLelland. The supplier was planning further extensions to its range to focus on “everyday favourite” biscuits in a variety of formats, he added.

“The new baking oven will play a key role in meeting current demand and also ensure that we can continue to grow the business significantly over the coming years,” he added.