Northern Ireland sandwich business creating 200 jobs in fresh expansion
Around Noon, a distinguished Northern Ireland sandwich enterprise, is poised to establish a robust footprint with the creation of 200 employment opportunities in its latest expansive endeavor. The company, headquartered in Newry, is set to inaugurate a significant new manufacturing facility at the esteemed Slough Trading Estate in proximity to London.
Having recently acquired the Soho Sandwich Company in North London, Around Noon has not only solidified its presence but has also experienced substantial organic growth. This growth is evidenced by the acquisition of substantial contracts in the travel, foodservice, and coffee sectors.
The company’s strategic move involves securing a new, approximately 30,000 sq ft facility at Slough Trading Estate, marking its sixth manufacturing site within the group. Gareth Chambers, the CEO of Around Noon, remarked, “Since 2018, we’ve escalated our
operational output in Slough from £4 million annually to an impressive £30 million today. Our existing factory in Slough already produces over 400,000 products weekly, and securing additional premises at Slough Trading Estate will fortify our trajectory of sustained growth.”
Around Noon specializes in the production of an array of ‘food-to-go’ items, including sandwiches, salads, wraps, and fruit pots, catering to leading airlines, coffee chains, and caterers. The new facility is anticipated to augment the company’s manufacturing capacity in Slough by an estimated £50 million.
This expansion initiative will not only elevate the total headcount across the group to over 1,000 but will also introduce 200 new employment positions, with 300 individuals based in Slough. Noteworthy tenants at Slough Trading Estate, such as Mars, Ferrari, DHL, Lanes Group, and UCB, contribute to the estate’s diverse business landscape.
James Craddock, Managing Director, Thames Valley, at SEGRO, the entity overseeing Slough Trading Estate, expressed enthusiasm: “Around Noon’s growth exemplifies the success of our workspace quality, management, and our ability to comprehend our customers’ property requirements. Accommodating a thriving business like Around Noon aligns with our commitment to fostering growth, especially when the vacancy rate at Slough Trading Estate remains remarkably low at 2.7%.”
The recently acquired facility is undergoing a substantial renovation, aligning with the developer’s ‘Responsible SEGRO’ commitment, emphasizing a dedication to low-carbon growth.
With its roots in Newry more than three decades ago, Around Noon has evolved into one of the UK’s premier food-to-go manufacturers. Operating from five manufacturing sites across the UK and Ireland, including facilities in Newry, Slough, and North London, the company currently employs over 800 individuals.
