Mr Whippy has successfully tested its new Sheffield doughnut factory, following a £15m investment in the creation and fit out of the Woodhouse Link facility, which is now operating.
Factory test and automation
The test was carried out under the observation of investor and company chairman Scott Fletcher and the 10-strong management team. The factory uses end-to-end automation, modern layouts and direct distribution, allowing Mr Whippy to manufacture, pack and dispatch under one roof.
Bosses say the move will cut time "from oven to aisle", with the first doughnuts already having left the production line. The project was completed, from concept to finish, in little over a year, with full production sign-off scheduled for later this year.
Retail plans and product range
Mr Whippy's strategic development director Joe Sealey is said to have used industry ties to bring major UK retailers on board. Heavy investment in products and systems from industry specialists WP Kemper, Rondo, Proseal and Starfrost demonstrates the company's commercial intentions across its branded label bakery operations.
The range is palm-oil free and made for longer shelf life and consistent quality.
CEO statement
Mr Whippy founder and CEO Michael Corrado Jackson said: "A project of this calibre would normally take two to three years to realise, but we are here in just 13 months. This new, amazing production site for Mr Whippy Doughnuts will allow us to get our extensive product range into stores and then homes, while staying true to quality, that will set us apart."
He added: "The full factory test launch was a complete success and production will start later this year. This facility is a vital part of achieving our ambition to make superior products more accessible to people, and set the bar for product consistency, operational efficiency and food hygiene."
