'First step in our long-term growth plans': Northern Ireland fourth-generation family bakery business turns up the heat with £1.6m investment
McDaid’s Bakery owner to boost production capacity and jobs with new technology and automation at Skeoge Industrial Estate
Londonderry bakery manufacturer U-Bake, known locally as McDaid's Bakery, is investing £1.6 million at its Skeoge Industrial Estate facility.
The investment, which is being supported by Invest Northern Ireland’s Agri-Food Investment Initiative, will increase its manufacturing productivity and create 15 new jobs at the facility.
The company is investing in its operations, introducing a new high-speed production line for high-volume products, robotic packing technology and increased freezing capacity. The investment will reduce changeovers and downtime while increasing efficiency and output.
Gráinne Moody, director of Food and Drink, Invest NI, said: "U-Bake is a long-established business with deep roots in the local area and a strong reputation for supplying quality bakery products across Ireland. This £1.6m investment will help it adopt advanced production technology and automation, increase productivity and strengthen its ability to compete and grow in a rapidly evolving marketplace.
“Our latest support through AFII will help U-Bake overcome bottlenecks and reduce downtime between product runs, supporting the company to supply larger volumes and bring more of its product range to new markets.”
A fourth-generation family-owned business, U-Bake manufactures fresh and frozen bakery products for foodservice, retail and wholesale customers across Northern Ireland, Ireland and Scotland.
John McDaid, managing director of U-Bake, explained: “Demand for our products continues to grow, particularly within the Irish foodservice sector, but our existing production capacity limits how much we can supply.
“This investment in production equipment, automation and additional freezing capacity will help us increase output and bring new products to market more quickly, including specialist and plant-based bakery products that respond to changing consumer preferences.
“Alongside creating 15 new roles, the project will help our existing team develop skills in modern production and automation technologies. It is the first step in our long-term growth plans, enabling us to meet demand in Ireland while preparing to attract new customers across Britain and Europe.”
Invest NI has offered U-Bake £210,000 of support towards the project through its Agri-Food Investment Initiative (AFII).
Aeidin McCarter, Invest NI’s head of north west Regional Business, added: “We’ve supported U-Bake’s export sales growth in Ireland since 2009, through innovative product development, investment in robotics and targeted launches of frozen bakery products for the food-to-go market.
“As well as creating 15 new jobs in the Derry City and Strabane District Council area, this latest investment will also support existing team members to develop new skills. Investments such as this, which improves productivity, skills and local employment opportunities not only contribute to U-Bake’s plans for growth but strengthen our wider local economy.”