A major expansion at Winning Blend’s Llantrisant bakery which was backed by the Welsh Government has exceeded its job creation target, increased turnover to £18m and enabled it to launch 22 new products.

Winning Blend, which trades under The Welsh Pantry brand, was supported by £340,000 from the Wales Economic Growth Fund to create 34 jobs and safeguard a further 10 jobs. The company exceeded its targets and created 55 jobs, bringing the headcount to 156.

Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Infrastructure Ken Skates visited the Llantrisant site today to see at first hand how the £1.1m investment in advanced manufacturing equipment in the bakery and packaging facility is benefiting the business and creating jobs.

During a tour of the facility he heard that it has already  increased throughput, reduced waste, improved efficiencies and quality and increased the competitiveness of the business.

Mr Skates said:

“It’s excellent news and I am delighted  support from the Welsh Government has helped the company expand its facility in Wales, broaden its capabilities  and create a significant number of news jobs.

The company’s investment and success also has a significant wider impact on the economy as Welsh Pantry’s policy of buying locally whenever possible, means it regularly purchases from more than 100 local businesses and last year spent in excess of £3.2m with its local supply chain.”