A Harborough-based food manufacturer and distributor is moving to a new, bigger base on the edge of town - potentially creating more jobs in the process.

Bramble Foods has expanded into Lancaster House, a distribution centre at Airfield Business Park, built by Leicestershire County Council.

The new facility has become Bramble Foods' main national distribution hub, increasing warehousing and distribution capacity.

Employing around 300 people, LDC-backed Bramble Group, which includes Whitakers Chocolates, The Bay Tree and Lings, expects Lancaster House to support continued business growth with the potential to increase its workforce to 350 employees over the coming years.

Bramble Foods has expanded into Lancaster House, a distribution centre at Airfield Business Park.

placeholder image — Bramble Foods has expanded into Lancaster House, a distribution centre at Airfield Business Park.

Steve Heighton, who this year celebrates 50 years of service with the business, took part in the ribbon-cutting ceremony alongside Tony Foster (managing director), Chris Neville (finance director), Ken Osborne (sales director) and Councillor Harrison Fowler (Leicestershire County Council cabinet member for finance and resources),unveiling a specially commissioned commemorative plaque.

Steve said: "Having worked with the Foster family for over 50 years, I’m honoured to have been asked to officially open our new distribution facility. It marks another important milestone in what has been a truly enjoyable and rewarding career. Seeing our continued growth and investment in the future and my hometown is something I’m incredibly proud to be part of, and I look forward to seeing what we achieve in the years ahead."

Airfield Business Park was first opened by the council in 2019 and is home to 14 businesses. This year, the council has more than doubled the site - from 81,000 sq. ft. to 190,000 sq. ft - and the expansion includes Lancaster House.

Tony Foster said: "The opening of Lancaster House marks a significant milestone in the continued growth of Bramble Foods.

Unveiling the plaque is Steve Heighton, alongside Cllr Harrison Fowler, Tony Foster, Ken Osborne and Chris Neville.

"On top of the additional space, we're investing in our people, improving the service we provide to our customers and creating the capacity to support the next stage of our journey.

Cllr Fowler said: "It's really great to see the latest phase of Airfield Business Park open, and it's particularly good to see Bramble move into a bigger site. Helping to keep them in Market Harborough means they can retain their heritage and means we can see a local business continue to thrive as they go from strength to strength."