An award-winning coffee company has moved to a huge new roastery where production could “comfortably” double.
Rounton Coffee has taken on a 6,000sq ft unit at Teesside Industrial Estate in Thornaby, three times the size of its former HQ, The Granary, near Northallerton.
The move is a nearly six-figure investment that will create jobs and help future-proof the growing business.
Dave and Jamie (Image: ROUNTON COFFEE)
Launched by Dave Beattie at farmers’ markets in 2013, Rounton Coffee has become one of the area’s best-known independent coffee brands. Its founder said the business had outgrown its original home.
“The Granary was a fantastic chapter in our story, and it will always hold a special place in our hearts," said Dave, a former chemical engineer.
"But there came a point where every inch was being utilised, and we simply couldn't fit any more into the space.
Dave Beattie (Image: ROUNTON COFFEE)
“This move is about creating room to breathe and building a business that's fit for the future, and this site feels almost tailor-made to help the business grow.
“So many of our team already live in Teesside, and the new site will allow us to invest back into an area that's long championed the business.”
The expansion is expected to create three jobs initially, with more to follow. From humble beginnings, Rounton Coffee has grown into a national brand, with its range supplied as far afield as the Outer Hebrides and Ireland.
Machines at the new HQ (Image: ROUNTON COFFEE)
Last month, its ethically sourced range won seven Great Taste Awards, including two products that each received two stars.
Dave said the new site could have a “transformative” effect on production, with the company currently able to roast up to a tonne of beans a day.
“As well as more space, the building has infrastructure that wasn't available at the old premises, including mains gas and three-phase power, which will help us make significant savings,” said Dave.
Machines at the new HQ (Image: ROUNTON COFFEE)
“The new site brings everything under one roof and means we can pretty much grow every part of the business – be it production, staffing, training or the warehouse – without needing more costly upgrades.
“It gives us the perfect base to grow over the next decade, without needing to move again.”
The extra space will improve storage and production, with silos for green coffee already installed.
The new site could host coffee education sessions, barista training, cupping events and equipment demonstrations for customers.
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Dave said the move would not change the coffee itself.
“We are still the same independent coffee roaster we've always been,” he said.
“What has changed is the infrastructure around us.
“The new site allows us to operate more efficiently, improve working conditions for our team, create new jobs and continue growing while maintaining the quality and service our customers expect.”