The three-year investment, which comes as part of Premier Foods’ growth strategy to invest back into its manufacturing sites, is set to be delivered in two phases.
The first £9 million stage has modernised Ambrosia rice pudding and custard production through a new custard filling line and high-speed packing lines using ‘cutting edge’ technology to streamline production, increase efficiency and switch to fully recyclable packaging.
A second £10 million phase, including a small factory extension, which will house a new custard-making plant, is now underway and due to be completed next summer.
The Lifton site has been part of the local community since 1917, currently employing more than 320 people and producing 65 million kgs of custard and rice pudding each year, using over 50 million litres of milk from West country farms.
Rachel Matheson, factory general manager at Premier Foods Lifton site, said: “This investment shows how committed we are to Lifton and to keeping our manufacturing here in the UK. Ambrosia is one of Britain’s most loved food brands, and we’re proud to keep making it right here in Devon.
“The porridge pots have been a huge hit, and it’s great to see how success like this enables us to reinvest in the site, back into our teams and in increased capacity. Our site has been part of the Lifton community for over 100 years and we’re just as excited about what’s coming next.”