Allied Bakeries invests ?1m in Belfast operation
Allied Bakeries is investing ?1 million in new robotic equipment to increase production of pancakes at its Belfast operation.
The company delivers around a thousand baked bread items a day -
including the Sunblest range - from Belfast and said the new equipment will help it keep up with demand for its products.
The company believes its new technology is among the most advanced
in use in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. Allied has
seen a significant increase in demand for its pancakes.
The company said it has "modernised and upgraded elements of the
entire bakery" while also making a "significant investment in
training leading to the continued development of a multi-skilled
workforce".
General manager Peter Henry said: "We invested in cutting edge
equipment to produce our best-selling pancakes, which consumers are increasingly finding more compelling. It also enables us to keep
shelves continuously stocked for all major Northern Ireland
retailers that we supply.
"The investment we have made has led to increased output, improved
ergonomics and health and safety for our staff.
"We currently work with all major retailers in Northern Ireland,
servicing them via almost 1,000 deliveries daily, and also those in the Republic of Ireland and Great Britain.
"As a result of this investment I hope we can increase our customer base, especially beyond these borders."
There has been much discussion in industry about whether robots are taking over from the traditional workforce, with machines replacing people in factories.
Allied Bakeries employs more than 330 staff in Belfast.
The company delivers around a thousand baked bread items a day -
including the Sunblest range - from Belfast and said the new equipment will help it keep up with demand for its products.
The company believes its new technology is among the most advanced
in use in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. Allied has
seen a significant increase in demand for its pancakes.
The company said it has "modernised and upgraded elements of the
entire bakery" while also making a "significant investment in
training leading to the continued development of a multi-skilled
workforce".
General manager Peter Henry said: "We invested in cutting edge
equipment to produce our best-selling pancakes, which consumers are increasingly finding more compelling. It also enables us to keep
shelves continuously stocked for all major Northern Ireland
retailers that we supply.
"The investment we have made has led to increased output, improved
ergonomics and health and safety for our staff.
"We currently work with all major retailers in Northern Ireland,
servicing them via almost 1,000 deliveries daily, and also those in the Republic of Ireland and Great Britain.
"As a result of this investment I hope we can increase our customer base, especially beyond these borders."
There has been much discussion in industry about whether robots are taking over from the traditional workforce, with machines replacing people in factories.
Allied Bakeries employs more than 330 staff in Belfast.