The firm has been at its current site for nearly 120 years but, thanks to the rise in waterside property prices in Leeds, managing director John Roberts was able to finance the modern facility.

The seven-acre site at Thornes Farm Business Park which will house the single-storey, 10,000m2 replacement to its current six-storey building should be completed by August.

Our building just isnt suitable for modern manufacturing. We have production spread over three floors, so by moving to a single-storey building we expect to become jolly efficient, said Roberts.

The relocation will safeguard the jobs of its 120 staff and Roberts is confident that it will mean an expansion in workforce. It also hopes to boost its order books and improve service to existing customers.

The company is now focused on achieving the BRC/IOP food accreditation, which will make it one of the most modern factories going by next year.

The 13m-turnover group includes a flexo printing division.

Story by Rachel Barnes