Northumberland Foods looks to add 20 jobs

Feb 11 2010 by Peter McCusker, The Journal

A FROZEN food company brought out of administration last year has created 40 jobs, and is looking to add 20 more after launching new lines which have helped boost sales by 40%.

Amble-based Northumberland Foods had a tough 2009 which saw the jobs of its 200 workers saved when the business was bought out by its managers and then a few months later given an emergency loan of £250,0000 from Northumberland County Council.

But hard work by the staff and management team has seen its fortunes improve in recent months and the business is now enjoying annual growth of 40%.

Managing director Peter Kirkham said: “Buying a company out of administration is never easy but the business is now moving in the right direction and has the support of customers, suppliers and staff.

“We have secured the long-term future of the business in Amble, created an additional 40 jobs in the last 12 months, and as we continue on our growth path we should create at least 20 new jobs this year.

“Volumes are 40% up on this time last year and I can see no reason why this will not continue for the rest of 2010.”

If Mr Kirkham’s projections are achieved then Northumberland Foods will achieve sales of £25m this year.

Formerly known as Cheviot Foods the company produces an extensive range of frozen potato and parsnip products for all of the UK’s major food retailers.

In the last year it has introduced 38 new product lines which included two Christmas winners advertised on TV by Tesco, its Goose Fat Roast Potatoes and Honey Roast parsnips.