Monday, 22 April 2013 11:17

Wilkins set for new jam factory

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Wilkins set for new jam factoryColchester Borough Council has approved Wilkin and Sons' planned construction of a new Tiptree jam factory in the village of Tiptree.

"Trying to balance the needs of a growing business with the best interests of a village has not been easy but the support and advice we've had at every stage has been invaluable to us," said a family-owned company statement.

Wilkin and Sons have been producing Tiptree preserves since 1885. Since production began in Tiptree the factory has been continually added to and refurbished.

Today parts of it are over 100 years old and the company has found it increasingly challenging to make jam efficiently and to maintain the buildings to meet ever-more demanding food standards.

A new factory is critical to enable the company to maintain its market position and to grow. The company currently provides 270 full-time and 125 part-time jobs in the area. Under the new plans the labour force is expected to grow to 500 by 2030.

To part-fund the construction of the new factory, Wilkins and Sons are to develop new housing on the existing factory site and on land nearby.

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