Whilst many leading retailers are coming under increasing criticism for the way they work with suppliers Waitrose's close relationship with one of its main suppliers, Hygrade, continues to pay dividends.
Hygrade has recently invested £12 million in a 3,300 square metre extension that doubles its production space at its Corsham in Wiltshire - based cooked meat business to ensure it can meet Waitrose's ambitious plans for growth.
The business, dedicated to supplying Waitrose with a wide range of high quality cooked meats, is enjoying year on year growth of around 18% and has built the new extension to accommodate growing demand by the supermarket's customers.
The extension, which provides new high care, dry store, despatch and admin facilities, further cements the Corsham based site's 50 year relationship with Waitrose and secures the long term future of the business that employs around 300 colleagues.
Waitrose Managing Director Mark Price explains: "Waitrose is dedicated to offering the best quality and value products for its customers and Hygrade's investment in this extension means we can continue to offer cooked meat products that are a cut above the rest.
"We have made no secret of our strategy to double in size over the next ten years and Hygrade has ensured that it can keep pace with our projected growth. Our partnership with Hygrade is a great example of the long term, successful relationships Waitrose builds with its suppliers."
Carsten Jakobsen, Chairman of Hygrade's parent company Tulip Ltd, explained: "Our Hygrade business has enjoyed very strong growth over recent years and the opening of this new extension is great news for everyone involved in the Corsham factory. It is testimony to the skill and dedication of the team here that we have made such a significant investment in the long term future of the business."
