Major names take space at high-tech food manufacturing site

Food-on-the-go retailer Greggs and recipe box company HelloFresh have become the latest big names to take space at a high-tech food manufacturing site in Derby.

Greggs recently announced it will open a new state-of-the-art frozen production and logistics facility at SmartParc SEGRO Derby, at Spondon, creating 600 jobs.

Meanwhile, HelloFresh has opened its largest European distribution centre in Europe at the low-carbon food manufacturing campus.

Called The Windmill, it has created around 300 jobs for the local community to date, with more expected in the coming months as it ramps up production.

Greggs’ new facility will support its manufacturing and logistics network, building capacity for up to 3,500 shops in the UK.

The firm, which has entered into a lease agreement for the new facility, will occupy a 23-acre plot on the campus.

Following construction by the landlord, Greggs will develop the facility and install state-of-the-art manufacturing and logistics equipment to optimise the efficiency of operations on site. The site is expected to open in late 2026 and create up to 600 jobs.

Jackie Wild, chief executive at SmartParc, said: “It is our ultimate vision that SmartParc SEGRO Derby becomes a hub for forward-thinking food businesses seeking sustainable and efficient operations, a collaborative workspace and a first-class location with excellent connectivity, while also putting their people first.

“Greggs embodies this approach, and we are immensely proud to welcome such a cherished food business to the site.”

Greggs’ purpose-built Derby facility will provide additional manufacturing capacity for products – including new savoury and sweet production lines .

It will also provide logistics for frozen storage and fully automated robotic shop order picking and distribution solutions.

Roisin Currie, chief executive at Greggs, said: “We are delighted to announce our new state-of-the-art facility at SmartParc SEGRO Derby.

“This purpose-built site offers significant flexibility to add new capabilities and lines as our business evolves.

“This is a significant step in our supply chain investment and will provide much-needed manufacturing and logistics support to power our ambitious growth plans.”

Speaking about its investment at SmartParc SEGRO Derby, Adam Park, chief executive of HelloFresh UK, said: “We are delighted to open our largest and most advanced European distribution centre – The Windmill – here in Derby.

“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.”