The boss of a food storage and distribution business said they are looking for 100 more workers a year after settling into their new Leicestershire home.
Oakland International invested £4 million last year fitting out a 225,000 sq ft unit near Coalville in north west Leicestershire to store, pack and distribute chilled food for its clients.
The business initially created 200 jobs and is now moving some agency staff to full time roles, which will take the number to 300.
It is also looking for HGV and manual handling equipment drivers, pickers and various warehouse and administration staff, with a long term plan of taking the Leicestershire workforce to 400.
The family-run business is a specialist in contract food packing, storage, picking and distribution, as well as brand development.
It works with clients sending out fresh, chilled and frozen food to the retail, convenience, discount, wholesale and food service markets in the UK, Ireland and via a partner in Spain and the East Midlands site has capacity to store and move 24,000 pallets
Group managing director Shaun Foley said: “Bardon is an amazing success story.
“We launched Bardon in August 2020 in the middle of the pandemic and today we employ over 200 full time staff.
“We’re now in the process of transferring some agency staff to full time employment, with our aim to reach around 300 employees within weeks.”
North West Leicestershire District Council business and regeneration spokesman Coun Tony Gillard said the business was already playing a key part in the region’s growth plans.
Coun Gillard said: “Despite opening its doors in the height of the pandemic, the Bardon facility has helped to boost the local economy with new employment prospects and investment opportunities across the district.
“We’d like to congratulate the Bardon team for making its first year trading a success and look forward to seeing the company continue to expand in years to come.”
Councillor Keith Merrie MBE, County Councillor for Coalville South at Leicestershire County Council, said: “Oakland International’s expansion into the Bardon site has been great for Ellistown and Battleflat and North West Leicestershire.
“They have provided jobs for local people, and they are proactive in helping the local community. I wish them continued success.”
Oakland employs around 600 people, with a head office in Redditch, and operations in Corby, Dublin, and Worksop.
