‘One of a kind’ gluten-free bakery for Wales
The family-owned concern is converting a former Caparo Wire factory into what it claims will be the most advanced bakery of its kind in Europe.
“The existing gluten-free bakery is becoming increasingly cramped so we really do need the extra capacity,” said Village Bakery’s MD, Robin Jones.
“We’ve been all over Europe and sourced the best equipment to make these products, and also some new processes to make some different products new to the Village Bakery.”
The building – situated near two of the Village Bakery’s existing bakeries on the Wrexham Estate in northern Wales – has been re-clad and extended from 55,000 sq. ft. to 75,000 sq. ft.
Existing staff will be transferred to the new bakery when it is ready and the company is confident the expansion will eventually create more jobs.
Next growth phase
“We’ve been making gluten-free products for 10 years now, so this is the next phase in our growth,” added Jones.
Until now, the Village Bakery has been a wholesale operation making gluten and wheat-free products for other customers, but recently launched its own-label gluten-free brand.
“We have now launched our own Gluten Freedom brand because the market is growing year on year,” he said.
The new facility will enable the bakery to add another 10 own-label products to its portfolio, which it supplies to outlets across North Wales, Cheshire, Merseyside and Shropshire.
“We’ll be making a range of products including bread, rolls, morning goods, pancakes, also some ethnic products like pita bread and naan bread.
“We’ll also be launching some new, cutting edge products early next year."
Projects director Christien Jones said the factory is expected to be fully functional by the end of the year.
