Leading waffle and funcake production line producer snapped up by Lancashire concern

12-Jan-2021 - Last updated on 12-Jan-2021 at 13:16 GMT

Sugden Ltd has built an international reputation based on its custom-designed products, all of which are made in the UK at its Nelson facility. Pic: Sugden

Lancashire-based Sugden Ltd is expanding its range of hotplates with the Intellectual Property (IP) acquisition of Netherlands-based Vanderpol Waffle Systems from AMF Den Boer BV for an undisclosed sum.

Vanderpol Waffle Systems is part of AMF Bakery Systems Europe BV and is renowned as a market-leading manufacturer of waffle and funcake production lines.

The deal expands on the successful history Sugden has forged with AMF to offer complete English muffin systems to the global baking industry.

Already designing custom hotplate plants used by producers globally to mass-produce pancakes, Welsh cakes and crumpets, the acquisition means the hotplate manufacture will now also produce a wide range of waffle and funcake systems under the Sugden-Vanderpol banner.

The deal is also expected to create further jobs at Sugden’s 35,000sq ft production facility in Nelson, where the waffle and funcake systems will be produced.

The acquisition comes as Sugden looks to fuel further growth both in the UK and internationally, building on the strong momentum generated over the past five years, which has seen the company double in size. Its turnover for 2019/2020 is expected to top £5.5m.

“It is a very proud moment to be in a position to carry on supporting and supplying market-leading waffle lines under the Sugden-Vanderpol range,” said Chris Balwin, MD of Sugden.

“This strengthens our product range and market position and ensures growth and security throughout the business.”

Vincent Langelaar, VP of Operations EMEAAP Region at AMF Bakery Systems Europe BV, added: “Through this relationship, we have recognised that Sugden can bring tremendous focus and innovation to the Vanderpol waffle griddle product line, and we look forward to fully supporting this transition and continuing to partner with them to serve common customer projects in the future.”