A DEVON pet food company has upped its hourly rate as it launches a fresh recruitment drive to attract new staff to come and work at its new factory in Okehampton.

Following a local recruitment drive last Christmas for 25 new employees, Forthglade, the Devon-based manufacturers of natural pet food, is once again on the hunt for more staff to join it at its new factory, due to open this summer. 

Forthglade, which has been based in Winkleigh since 1971, is busy planning its move to a purpose-built factory at the Okehampton East Business Park. 

The new factory, which represents an investment of £8-million, will enable the company’s production of the natural pet food to double. 

Chris Brooking, joint managing director of Forthglade, said: ‘We’re keen for our current 100-strong workforce to increase and hope to find at least 15 new team members to join us for our move to Okehampton. By increasing our minimum wage, we hope to attract great candidates in roles across operations, production and the technical side of the business.

‘We’re also investing heavily in the development and training of our team members to become the local employer of choice. 

‘It’s wonderful to be in a position to provide more jobs locally. We hope those interested in working with us will get in touch.

Cllr Stuart Barker, Devon County Council Cabinet member for economy and skills, said: ‘Forthglade is making excellent progress on site and it’s really taking shape.

‘It’s great to see a Devon manufacturing business expanding to create more local jobs, and it’s also helping the county council realise its vision for growth in Okehampton.

‘We’ve had a good response on the remaining plots at the business park which should help provide a promising outlook for the town.’