Cornish pasty maker finds filling to fuel expansion
Bodmin-based Cornish pasty maker, Proper Cornish, is set for expansion with the refurbishment of, and move, to new manufacturing premises in a £3.75 million project, backed by the Cornish Regional Growth Fund and Santander Corporate & Commercial.
The company, which employs more than 200 staff, currently operates from six separate sites in the Walker Lines Industrial Estate in Bodmin. It acquired a new factory at the same site in 2009 and is now embarking on a refurbishment project after receiving a £1.5 million grant from the Cornish Regional Growth Fund to assist with the fit-out and equipment costs.
The refurbishment will modernise the food production plant, increasing capacity, improving process flows, boosting staff well-being, and enabling a more efficient production plant. The company will be consolidating its operations into the one site, bringing benefits of having management and production under one roof. Additionally, the business expects to create up to 50 new local jobs at the site, including in its product development team as it looks to create new flavours and products
Proper Cornish was established in 1988 by Cornishmen Phil Ugalde and brothers Chris and Dave Pauling after they became disillusioned with the quality of commercial Cornish pasties. They started the business making hand-made pasties from an old family recipe, and now have a range of 45 different pasty flavours, from steak & stilton to chicken balti, and supply a range of wholesalers, independent retailers, supermarkets, catering outlets and tourist attractions across the UK. They work with prime local produce where possible and have supply contracts with a number of local producers.
In 2006, the company acquired biscuit maker Furniss of Cornwall after it went into administration. They successfully turned around the 120-year old business and have since won a number of awards for their biscuits.
Phil Ugalde, Chairman of Proper Cornish, said: "This move is a big step for us and represents a landmark phase for the business. We have been growing steadily for over 20 years, and this is a concerted move to consolidate our assets and modernise our operations to improve efficiency and quality, and, as a result, the service we offer our customers.
"Chris, Dave and I founded this business because we are passionate about Cornwall and its produce, particularly the Cornish Pasty, and I am thrilled that the rest of the country shares this passion. I look forward to growing the business further and increasing our product range."
Julian Alexander, Regional Director for Santander Corporate & Commercial, said: "We are delighted to be working with Proper Cornish on the fantastic project. Not only is this a fantastic investment for the local area, creating new jobs, but it is a great opportunity for Phil and Chris to further grow the business. I look forward to working with them as they build on the fantastic foundations they have created."