AV Produce has officially unveiled its new and enlarged packing facility.
The new facility, part-funded by a £1.6 million Defra processing and marketing grant, was built in 2003. However, last year AV Produce developed the infrastructure further, adding a high-care unit, after identifying a need to add more value to basic vegetables.
MD David Tasker said the move to convert one of the company’s smaller cold stores into the high-care facility, was intended to help it meet consumers’ ever-increasing demand for meal solutions.
AV Produce asked the Lord Lieutenant Of Kent, Allan Willett, to open the facility officially during his tour of businesses in Swanley. After a visit of the site with members of the district and town council, Willett unveiled a plaque in the canteen.
One of the first lines to be tested in the facility was an asparagus steamer pack with parmesan butter.
Tasker said: “The official opening of the packing and processing facility at Swanley was an apt way of concluding one chapter of the AV strategic plan and opening the next, important not only to AV and its customers, but also the development of the local Kent community. It was a pleasure to have the Lord Lieutenant of Kent as our honoured guest for the day.”
