Heveco Mushrooms is seeking to switch its production from Thakeham, West Sussex to a new bespoke facility on an alternative site within 18 months. Since the Dutch-owned company acquired the West Sussex farms in March 2001, it has invested heavily boosting annual yields by 55 per cent.
However, Mark Howarth, managing director, said that because of the location and age of existing facilities it has become more difficult to achieve the efficiencies required to compete successfully against growing international competition.
"This coupled with the need to operate in a tough and price-sensitive retail market, means that relocation is the only solution to allow us continued vital growth to meet demand and achieve the production efficiencies required for future success" he said.
Howarth estimates the new farm will double the production capacity of Heveco's existing sites and introduce innovative harvesting technologies.
The move is not conditional on the sale of the Thakeham sites.
"Ideally we would like to relocate within West Sussex in recognition of the company's loyal workforce and their skill base," said Howarth.
"Discussions have taken place over the last 12 months to achieve our aim of local relocation and we are optimistic about finding a solution."
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