McCain Foods Scarborough expansion plan approved

Plans to expand the McCain Foods (GB) potato processing factory in Eastfield (Scarborough) have been approved by planners last Thursday

July 08, 2017

Source

Yorkshire Coast Radio

Plans to expand the McCain Foods (GB) potato processing factory in Eastfield (Scarborough) have been approved by planners last Thursday, clearing the way for the proposed £100m investment (USD 130 million).

As well as equipment upgrades, the renewal plans include state-of-the-art odour reduction technology, as well as extensive landscaping around the perimeter of the factory.

The Company say they will also be implementing renewable technology to further reduce its environmental impact.

Alterations to the site

A change of the existing cold stores to create new production lines in the north eastern part of the factory.
A new loading bay extension with associated HGV access, parking and turning areas.
A platform with a louvre screen on the Northern elevation of the existing building.
An additional fire water tank close to the existing fire water tank in the North western part of the plant close to Haver's Hill.
Two extensions to the south facing elevations of the factory, facing onto Cayton Low Road to house improved potato receiving equipment.
The erection of an extension in the centre of the existing factory complex to house new, improved manufacturing equipment for the proposed increase in production at the plant.
The installation of anaerobic digester unit with three ancillary treatment tanks and the associated flare stack. This will be centrally located within the existing factory site surrounded by existing buildings. The digester will be in the form of a cylindrical steel tank with a diameter of 21m and a height of 23 metres. The flare stack would be 12 metres in height.

Bill Bartlett, Corporate Affairs Director:

“We are delighted at the outcome of the Planning Committee’s decision to recommend approval of the renewal plans for our Scarborough site. This will see over £100million invested into our Scarborough facility.”

“Established in Eastfield almost 50 years ago, the McCain Foods Scarborough facility is one of the Company’s most successful sites. As the largest private employer in Scarborough and partner to many suppliers and community organisations in the area, we are dedicated to our operations here.”

“This investment will secure the continued, long-term success of our site and we welcome the clear signal sent by the Council today, underpinning its commitment to continued economic growth in the town.”

“This hundred-million pound investment will allow us to meet the increased demand for our products, whilst also delivering the latest technology to the site and broader environmental benefits.”

“With planning approval now recommended, activity in relation to the site renewal is anticipated to begin over the coming weeks.”

In their planning application McCain Foods explained the economic reasons for their expansion plans:

"McCain Foods is pursuing a major capital investment, the 'McCain Scarborough Production Facility Renewal Project'.”

“The Scarborough production facility provides a significant contribution to employment and the local economy, with McCain employing approximately 736 people in the production facility and headquarters building. The company has established strong, long term relationships with local suppliers, the local community and other strategic local partners in the Scarborough area.”

“McCain is the UK's largest purchaser of British potatoes, buying approximately 15% of the annual potato crop, thereby contributing a significant amount to the arable farming industry, which forms an important part of the local economy in North and East Yorkshire.”

“McCain is investing in the continued success and growth of the business and this planning application represents a significant investment in the renewal and continued use of the production facility to meet modern standards and sustain its future."