Dairy firm in huge expansion
Lancashire's biggest dairy firm will open a huge new distribution site on a Preston industrial estate this week.
Fylde Dairies Ltd managing director Howey Hegarty has revealed he has
spent 250,000 refurbishing the former 40,000 sq ft former City Link
building on the site at Roman Way in the city.
The owner said he is also in talks about taking land behind its new
site to create a massive bottling facility.
He expects to take on 22 new staff before the end of the year
following the expansion and, if it land another contract, expects to
create a further 16 jobs.
Mr Hegarty said: "Three years ago I started out with three staff and
two little vans, today we have 15 wagons, tankers and contracts with
big supermarkets.
"Back then I knew there were fifth generation farmers on the Fylde
which is one of the most productive and fertile areas in the country,
so I knew it would work even though people thought I was mad.
"We ran out of room at our other facility in Gough Lane, Bamber
Bridge, so we had to do this and now I want to keep on growing."
The firm supplies major supermarket chains, including Asda and
Sainsbury's, and also sells its products on Chorley market and Mr
Hegarty expects to open new retail branches in Preston, Blackpool and
Bolton as part of expansion plans.
Mr Hegarty now operates a business expected to reach an 8m turnover this year.
Allan Sumner, commercial property partner at Preston-based law firm
Napthens Solicitors, advised the boss on the deal for his new
premises.
He said: "Many in the dairy industry have been suffering in recent
months, but Howey and his team have managed to stay the course and are
now expanding the company with this move to Roman Way.
"Fylde Dairies is already a name to watch out for and I expect to hear
much more of the company in the future."
Previous story
Dairy doubled size on DFOB collapset
Have you signed up to the new free lepbusiness newsletter? Click here to subscribe.
Email to a friend
Print this page - Popular
- Most comments
- Most shared
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Local pages
Looking for a...
Jobs
Search for a job
Motors
Search for a car
Property
Search for a house
Weather for Preston
Thursday 29 July 2010
Today
Cloudy
Temperature: 15 C to 17 C
Wind Speed: 28 mph
Wind direction: West
Tomorrow
Light rain
Temperature: 15 C to 19 C
Wind Speed: 16 mph
Wind direction: South
