The investment saw a total overhaul of the site’s shared facilities to create ‘bright, fresh and modern’ places to rest, eat and prepare for work. This included a refurbishment of restrooms and locker rooms, the addition of a new restaurant and remodelling the layout of the building to create an extra room.
Rob Bywater, general manager at Avara, said: “I am incredibly pleased with the finished result, what we have created is the very definition of best in class and embodies our purpose as a company people want to work with and for.
Modern environment
“At Avara we are truly committed to looking after our people and this major investment in the site is a vital part of delivering on that promise as it creates a modern environment that the team deserve and shows we are not afraid to invest in every area of our sites not just operational technology.”
The refurbishment is the latest in a string of investments at Brackley.
In 2020, the manufacturer opened a heavily automated packing hall after a £11m investment in facilities, technology and the creation of more higher skilled roles. A further £850k was spent on new offices for several roles in central functions, including HR and finance,
Philip Davidson, operations director at Avara Foods, added: “What I hope is clear from our recent investments, is that yes, technology and automation are important, but so too are the people.
People first
“If you’re serious about looking after the people in your business, as we are, it has to take many forms: from creating skilled roles and opportunities for progression, to a range of benefits and an inclusive culture. Excellent people facilities are just as important and I see what we’ve done at Brackley as a template for the modern working environment that we aspire to create everywhere at Avara.”
Avara has invested up to £70m across its operations since 2018, with a significant focus on technology and automation.
New packing technology in Telford and Hereford has opened new opportunities to package products more efficiently and with up to 50% less plastic, while new production technology in processing sites at Abergavenny and Newent are increasing productivity and efficiency.
Meanwhile, fresh prepared meals manufacturer Bakkavor has secured a £13.3m asset finance deal from HSBC UK to help fund an overhaul of its refrigeration systems.
