The Wormingford-based business has said that the investment, which includes the installation of a second industrial fryer, will boost weekly crisp output by 40%.
The factory has also been fitted with a new automated weighing and bagging system to support the increased production volume.
Fairfields Farm, which remains a family owned business, installed its first industrial fryer last year and boosted production capacity by 90% as a result.
The completed investment comes at the end of a strong year for Fairfields Farm, which reported 38% year-on-year sales growth in the 12 months to July 2024. Meanwhile, the firm is on track to deliver 25% year-on-year growth from July 2024 to July 2025.
The brand’s crisps are now available in eight different flavours in both single-serve (40g) and sharing (150g) sizes. They are stocked in East of England Co-op and Chelmsford Star stores, as well as numerous independent retailers, farm shops, pubs and cafes.
Commenting on the investment, Robert Strathern, who co-founded the business with his wife Laura Strathern in 2006, said: “This upgrade is about unlocking the next phase of our growth. As we scale, we’re investing in the systems and infrastructure that will allow us to stay agile and deliver more of what our customers want, without compromising on the values that set us apart.”
Meanwhile, Fairfields Farm commercial director Tash Jones added: “We’ve built strong momentum over the past 12 months – driven by product innovation, sustainable practices, and a brilliant team. With increased capacity and a pipeline of new products and contract wins, we’re now in an excellent position to drive further growth across both existing and new markets.”
Alongside its investment in machinery, the firm has also strengthened its leadership team this year with two new appointments.
In April it was announced that David Glennan was joining Fairfields Farm as head of operations and technical, while David Nairn stepped into the active role of chairman and company secretary.
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