A newly refurbished onion-processing factory to provide retail packs of prepared allium crops to the retail sector came online in Lincolnshire this week.
The factory, which contains both medium and high-care facilities equipped with some of the most modern machinery available, represents a major commitment by Moulton Bulb Company Ltd - one of the largest onion handlers in the UK - to widen and enhance its product range for the retail and foodservice sector. It was officially opened on Monday by Waitrose’s prepared fruit, vegetable and salads buyer Claire Young.
The 1,350 square metre premises has been designed with expansion in mind.
The next phase is already planned and will see the installation of the latest fully-robotic peeling technology, developed with project partner ERC in the Netherlands over the last five years.
Planning permission has already been granted for a further 1,350sqm extension, which will be built as more capacity is required.
“We recognised a gap in the market as we had the experience in production, processing and packing to lift quality standards,” explained director Robert Oldershaw Jr. “Our product range includes both red and white prepared onions and fresh peeled garlic.
“While they are currently only offered conventionally, there are plans to offer organics later on in the year.”
With the English onion season lasting from July until June, Oldershaw Jr said the investment supports MBC’s grower network by creating opportunities to enter new market sectors and increase production which has already grown from 1,000 tonnes to 60,000t in the last 25 years.
Out-of-season imported onions will provide continuity, allowing the packhouse to operate year round.
