A COMPANY that was saved from liquidation in 2011 is going from strength to strength, having recruited 16 more employees in the last month.

Pet food specialist Forthglade Ltd, based in Winkleigh, has shown a stark turnaround in fortunes since September 2011 when HM Revenue and Customs petitioned for the company to be wound up for debts in the region of £250,000.

The company was purchased by a team of six shareholders that October, at the time securing 55 jobs and ensuring the future of the company which has been operating just outside Winkleigh for over 40 years.

Today, the medium-size business produces more than 500,000 meals each week for cats and dogs throughout the UK.

Selling through local pet shops and popular online shopping sites, Forthglade's sales have soared, with an impressive 50% growth year on year.

Chris Brooking, joint MD at Forthglade said: 'We're proud of where Forthglade has come and what's been achieved in such a short time. 

'We're grateful to be in a position to keep a manufacturing business local and to provide opportunities for local employment. 

'Sixteen new employees were taken on over the last month alone, taking us to an eighty-strong team.'

Mr Brooking puts the firm's success down to the growing trend across the UK in natural pet food. 

'Pet owners see first-hand the benefits of feeding their animals on a natural and nutritiously balanced diet — happy healthy pets.

'Trends in pet foods have significantly changed over the last few years, pet owners want to see more quality products packed with goodness and free from nasty additives, preservatives and colours, much like human food trends. 

'Forthglade meals are not only great quality but also more affordable than many natural pet foods on the market.

'Of course much of this success stems from a professional and dedicated team of employees and suppliers. 

'We have an exciting year ahead, having recently invested over £500,000 in machinery, which is set to increase our production by over 30%. 

'We have a busy year ahead.'