Woking, England-headquartered Nomad Foods, the producer and marketer of frozen food brands including Birds Eye, Ledo, iglo, Findus and Frikom, has announced a £2.2 million investment in a new potato waffle production line at its Lowestoft factory in the UK. Total waffle capacity will increase to approximately 18,250 tons annually – equivalent to nearly 45 million potato waffles – driven by a new line designed to ensure enhanced delivery of British household staples.
The investment is part of a sustained plan at the Lowestoft plant, which includes a recent £12 million outlay in chicken processing and the progression of plans for an on-site wind turbine that will secure long-term, predictable renewable energy costs, alongside the existing green electricity used on site.
Eduardo Bachiega, the company’s chief supply officer, commented: “This latest investment is testament to our long-term commitment to UK food manufacturing. By increasing our production capacity we’re directly responding to consumer demand for household favorites, such as potato waffles, that are already being manufactured 24/7 at the factory. At a time of increasing pressure on global food systems, as well as ongoing cost-of-living challenges for consumers, we continue to invest in our operations ensuring key frozen food categories such as fish, vegetables, chicken and potatoes remain an accessible food choice for families across Britain and Europe.”
The Lowestoft site, which began operations in 1949, is a long-established cornerstone of UK food manufacturing at England’s most easterly point. The factory spans more than 25 acres and is the largest private sector employer in the area. In addition to potato waffles it produces Birds Eye chicken dippers, peas and coated fish with a growing proportion of output, circa 15%, exported to meet increasing consumer demand across Europe.
