HelloFresh has opened its flagship automated production facility in Derby which will act as a “launch pad for future growth and innovation” in the UK.
‘The Windmill’ site features automated production lines which will allow for handling of greater product complexity to give customers more recipes to choose from, as well as options to further personalise their meals, including options to replace meat for plant-based alternatives or customise portion sizes.
The site also uses best-in-class predictive algorithms and technology to improve inventory management processes, reduce waste and deliver ingredients that “are fresher than ever”.
‘The Windmill’ has initially created around 300 jobs for the local community including production operatives, maintenance engineers and management roles, with more expected in the coming months.
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It will also boost HelloFresh’s support for local charities such as Community Action Derby, with the meal kit giant currently donating ingredients for more than 100 meals each week to assist those experiencing food insecurity in the local area.
The site has been developed in partnership with SmartParc SEGRO Derby, a low-carbon food manufacturing campus in Spondon, Derby, which aims to be one of the most sustainable production facilities in the country, deriving 100% of its energy from renewable sources.
Its features include a rainwater harvesting system, a 22 MVA rooftop solar panel array and a shared heating and cooling system which recycles heat from refrigeration plants and reuses it to heat water and offices across the estate.
HelloFresh UK CEO Adam Park said: “We have invested for over two years to build our latest automated production technology in Derby, particularly due to its incredibly diverse and skilled talent pool.
“This site and its cutting-edge technology will allow handling of great complexity in our production to give customers even more choice, while creating hundreds of jobs and opportunities for talented people in the local area to build skills and careers in a growing space.”
He explained that through Derby’s connectivity, the recipe box firm can provide a “better delivery experience” for its UK customers with 80% now within a four-hour drive of where the product is made.
Park added: “All-in-all, we are delighted to be in Derby and look forward to contributing to this great community as we partner on an exciting journey of growth and innovation we have planned for HelloFresh and Green Chef in the UK.”
