Start on new tofu factory which will double production at North Yorkshire firm
LR - Tomasz Szulc - QA Technician (THE TOFOO CO), David Knibbs - CEO (THE TOFOO CO), Lydia Smith – Director (THE TOFOO CO), Mihai Andries - Area Lead (THE TOFOO CO), Pawel Jankowiak - Planning Manager (THE TOFOO CO.) (Image: Pic supplied)
A major new factory in North Yorkshire will provide a platform to reach production of over 10,000 tonnes of tofu by 2033.
The Tofoo Co., the UK’s No. 1 tofu brand, is building a state-of-the-art facility at Malton Enterprise Park in North Yorkshire to support its long-term growth and increase production capacity.
Construction began last month (Sep) with completion expected by autumn 2027.
Initially it won’t create any new jobs but the company says as the business expands it is likely to. Its current headcount is around 170 employees.
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David Knibbs, CEO of The Tofoo Co., said: "Breaking ground on our new factory is a hugely exciting moment for The Tofoo Co.
"We’ve built a strong position in the UK tofu market, and we see significant opportunities ahead as more consumers discover tofu as a natural, versatile source of protein.
"This investment is about creating the foundations for our next chapter and ensuring we have the capacity, capability and flexibility to meet growing demand from both the UK and Europe."
The new factory will initially enable twice the production capacity and offer 3.5 times the productive space.
Tofoo CEO David Knibbs and director Lydia Smith (Image: Pic supplied)
It is part of the company’s goal to reach production volumes of more than 10,000 tonnes by 2033.
Mr Knibbs said the facility is about more than just increasing output.
He said: "It gives us dedicated space for innovation, product development and customer engagement, with flexibility built in for the products we have yet to create."
The project is also designed with sustainability in mind.
Mr Knibbs said: "We’re equally focused on building a facility that supports our sustainability ambitions.
"By planning for heat recovery, solar generation, wastewater reduction and effluent treatment, we’re taking an important step towards a more sustainable manufacturing operation."
The factory will include a development kitchen and pilot plant to support new product development, trials, and customer experiences.
A quarter25 per cent of the facility’s non-allocated space will be retained to accommodate future products and evolving business needs.
Harrison Developments Malton LLP is leading the development and construction, with funding from HSBC UK and existing shareholders, including Comitis Capital.
Sean Harrison, managing director of Harrison Developments Malton LLP, said: "We’re delighted to be leading the development of The Tofoo Co.’s new manufacturing facility at Malton Enterprise Park.
"This is an important investment for the business, and we look forward to delivering a facility that supports its ambitions for growth, operational efficiency and future innovation."
The company also plans to use the new site to support workforce development, with apprenticeship schemes forming part of the business’s wider ambitions for people development.
Stephen Smith, senior relationship director at HSBC UK, said: "The new Tofoo Co. facility will provide the capacity and infrastructure the business needs to build on its strong position in the UK and pursue further growth in international markets."