AVARA FOODS has completed £2.2m in upgrades to its Brackley processing site’s facilities.
It forms part of a broader programme of investment at the firm, which has spent £70m across its operations since 2018.
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This latest spending has seen communal areas such as the staff canteen and locker spaces updated to create “bright, fresh and modern places to rest, eat and prepare for work.”
“We are serious about our people, and I hope these new amenities show just how highly we think of them all,” said Rob Bywater, Avara Foods’ general manager.
“I am incredibly pleased with the finished result. What we have created is the very definition of a best in class and embodies our purpose as a company people want to work with and for.”
Larger footprint
Moving the majority of office roles to new premises elsewhere in Brackley earlier in the pandemic, the new amenities also have a larger footprint, allowing for social distancing if required.
“Our experience operating throughout the pandemic has certainly informed the design of our new facilities”, Mr Bywater added.
“We’ve created one-way systems and flexible spaces so that people are comfortable while we maintain COVID measures without compromising the quality of our facilities.”
Skills
In the New Year, another floor will open with extended space for office workers, meetings and hosting visitors.
Last year an £11m investment saw an expanded packing hall opened at the site that introduced more automation.
Avara Foods has also welcomed a record number of new starters through its Early Careers pathways this autumn, joining their Apprentice, Degree Apprentice, Graduate and Placement Programmes, alongside fresh new opportunities on the Kickstart scheme.
In September, it took on 21 graduates and 21 apprentices, including five who will achieve a fully funded degree while at Avara.
