50 jobs created by Faccenda Foods investment in Telford

The company has spent £2 million on putting in a third production line at its factory, which will further extend capacity at the site.

Work on the line is expected to be completed in mid-July, and will mean the company can process up to 1.5 million chickens a week for its range of customers, which includes big-name supermarkets.

Faccenda has invested heavily in the plant on the Hortonwood Industrial Estate in Telford, putting £35 million into expanding the site and installing high-end equipment.

It was built with the capacity for a third production line, meaning that the latest investment in machinery could slot into existing space on the factory floor.

The 50 new jobs being created thanks to the latest investment will take Faccenda's overall Telford workforce to 1,100.

"When we extended the site, we did it with an eye on the future and made sure there was room for further expansion if we needed it," said general manager Mike Palmer.

"We know that British consumers' tastes are changing: more than ever they want their food to be convenient and they want it to be British. Adding a third production line means we'll be supplying more British chicken portions than ever before."

The company also says it needs to continue recruiting "quality" staff despite the increasing levels of automation in the factory.

Andrew Brodie, HR and Communications Director added: "We think our people set us apart from our competitors. They're the ones that are responsible for quality, hygiene and providing great customer service.

"That's why we won't use zero-hours contracts or agency workers for long-term roles, we pay everyone above the National Living Wage, whatever their age, and we make sure there are plenty of opportunities to develop and make a difference in our business."

Faccenda achieved turnover of £532 million in the year to May 2015, accounts showed earlier this year, on the back of the extension of the factory and new acquisitions.