FOOD company Gilfresh Produce has invested in new facilities and technology to enable it to increase production to meet rising demand for locally sourced fresh food.
The investment at the family-run company, which was established by the Gilpin family more than 50 years ago, was supported by Danske Bank.
Gilfresh, which has nearly 130 staff on its books, supplies a range of UK and Irish customers including most large supermarkets, food processors, wholesalers and convenience channels.
The company invested in the expansion of its production facility during the pandemic, initially to allow the processing of fresh food to continue under strict social distancing requirements.
The additional production and staging space it created is now enabling Gilfresh to streamline its processes and extend its season.
Danske Bank has provided a significant funding package to enable the company to take advantage of increased demand for fresh produce by further automating its processes.
William Gilpin, managing director of Gilfresh, said: “Our vegetable processing business plays a significant role in the Northern Ireland food chain.
“Danske Bank assisted us with the challenges which Covid presented and also helped us prepare for the next part of our journey as we endeavour to become even more efficient and environmentally friendly.
“The long and valued relationship we have with Danske Bank, especially during the last two years, has been a great asset to our management team."
Fiona King, corporate banking manager at Danske, said: “Gilfresh is an essential indirect supplier of fresh food to Northern Ireland homes, and during Covid we wanted to help ensure the security of supply was not compromised.
“As a result of the investment made during this time, the business has emerged stronger, and we're pleased to be able to provide a new funding package to help the business on the next stage of its journey.”
