Duncan Farms, a family-run business based in Aberdeenshire, has announced a £7million expansion to its egg packing centre based near Turriff.
Not only has the development doubled the size of the packing area but it has also doubled the grading and packing capacity.
The expansion will set the company up for the next stage of business growth after a surge in demand from customers for premium quality free-range eggs. In addition to the investment in the packing centre, the company is constructing two new free range laying units on their existing farms within four miles of the expanded centre. This will address the increase in demand and signifies the company’s commitment to both customers and potential producers.
As part of the growth strategy, Duncan Farms has committed to working with five additional local partner producers and will be recruiting at all levels of the business, from entry level to management. In addition to the operational expansion, the staff facilities are also being upgraded to create an improved, modernised space for the growing team, including new offices, meeting spaces and a new canteen.
Rachael Duncan, vice-chairman
The investment also includes installation of an innovative new Moba egg grader which has improved quality inspection, new weighing technology and provides significantly increased grading capacity for free-range eggs. Duncan Farms are the first business in Scotland to install this technology. The Moba Group is the recognised leading manufacturer of egg grading, packing and processing machines.
Vice- chairman of Duncan Farms, Rachael Duncan, said: "This is an exciting time for our business as we have the opportunity for significant expansion as part of our continued growth strategy. We are experiencing an increase in demand for British free-range eggs, and this is complimented by a key consumer trend where traceability is important.”
“It is a challenging time for family-owned agricultural businesses like ours, but we are committed to our next stage of growth. We are looking forward to working with more Scottish producers and offering them the opportunity to grow with us and our key retail partners.
Duncan Farms retail customers now include Lidl GB, Morrisons, Marks and Spencer, Sainsbury’s and Co-op.