Spalding factory is looking to recruit 60 new members of staff

An expanding factory is holding an open day in a bid to attract a further 60 members of staff.

David Wood Baking in Spalding is the largest automated factory in Europe and is looking to increase the number of lines it operates.

The factory runs on a 24/7 basis making sliced bread, brioche, bloomers, tiger bread – delivering to major supermarkets and retailers in the country.

The open days will take place on Saturday, October 21 and Sunday 22.

Operations manager Aaron Corbett said: “This is the largest automated bakery in Europe.

“We run three lines and in the next two years we will commission another four lines – Italian style bread, rolls, baguettes, paninis, ciabatta.

“We are different from other food manufacturers in the area and we are part of a bigger group. We are looking for an additional 60 people.”

With 200 staff already employed, the business has a family-led approach and offers training and progression in the company.

There are also other sites including Cumbria, Scarborough, Newport, Bolton and Sheerness.

Mr Corbett, who has been in the baking trade since he left school, said: “There are no other bakeries in the area and it can be an incredible journey.

“We want to bring in people who haven’t been involved in baking and offer training – we have had some gems who started on the shop floor and have progressed – we help along the way.

“I love baking and everything about it – though I have never watched Bake Off in my entire life.”

David Wood, a third generation baker, opened the factory a couple of years ago.

The recruitment drive is looking out for a cross-section of roles for day and night shifts– operations, team leaders, supervisors and administrative positions.

All the machinery is automated and Namratha Harmalkar, technical manager, said: “There are no bakeries around – it is a one of its kind bakery.”

Mrs Harmalkar is responsible for the site’s technical department – quality, safety, compliance of the product – meeting customer and global standards.

She added: “I started as a quality manager and was promoted – if you are hard working there is room for progression.”

Mr Corbett added: “We have competitive rates of pay – the longer people are with us there is more value to them and us.

The open day gives the chance for people to come and meet us, understand what we do and a little about the company.

“The size and scale of the site means there are great opportunities for people to come and join the business.

“There is so much opportunity for people to help us develop the site and progress.”

Send a CV to spaldinghr@dwbaking.com