WORK began last week on an £11-million project that will create 80 new jobs in Callington.
Pasty-maker Ginsters is undertaking a major investment programme at the Lynher bakery following the reorganisation of parent company Samworth Brothers.
In a move that reflects the rapid expansion of Samworth, Ginsters has been divided into two separate operating companies, Ginsters Ltd and Tamar Foods, to allow a sharper focus for each operation.
'Ginsters will continue to operate from the existing Lynher bakery, concentrating on producing branded pasties, slices and savoury snack products,' said Ginsters' managing director Mark Duddridge.
'A £10.75-million investment programme to up-grade Lynher will ensure that we are able to respond to the changing demands and opportunities in the highly competitive UK chilled snack market.'
A grant of £850,000 from the Department of Trade and Industry's regional selective assistance scheme has contributed to the redevelopment.
Computerised ovens and energy efficient cooling systems, as well as state-of-the-art wrapping machines, will create modern preparation and precooking areas and allow the company to expand its range of products.
Mr Duddridge said they hoped to create another 80 jobs at the site over the next five years and the investment will help safeguard the jobs of the 350 permanent workers already based at Lynher.
Tamar Foods Ltd will operate in the adjacent Tamar bakery and will concentrate on own-label pastry products for the major retailers.
When the project is completed more than 1,100 people are likely to be working at the site.
This growth means that the phased closure of the 'ready meals' pilot plant at the Tamar bakery can be made without compulsory redundancies.
The pilot plant has been operating for the last 18 months perfecting ready-to-eat dishes that need only to be warmed in the oven or microwave.
A full-scale production plant costing £15 million is opening at Melton Mowbray in Leicestershire later in the spring but Mr Duddridge said the 60 people still employed in the plant would be found new jobs.
'There will be no redundancies. They are all going to be found jobs within the group,' he said.
Mr Duddridge saw the Callington development as a huge vote of confidence in the future of Ginsters in the town.
'We are building on our reputation for quality and we expect this investment to carve a place for the pasty and other snack foods in the next millennium,' he said.
That reputation for quality saw the company sweep the board in the Savouries Championship at the annual Swansea and District Master Bakers bread and confectionery exhibition recently.
The company was named event winner after taking four first prizes, four seconds and a 'very highly commended'.
The company was also awarded the Best Food To Go Product 1999 for it's pork and stuffing sub roll and an accolade from the Chartered Institute of Marketing.