d meat-free goods manufacturer Quorn Foods plans to invest around £30m at its facility in Billingham, to meet the increasing demand for its meat substitute range.The investment will be used to build a third fermenter at the plant. It will create around 100 jobs during construction, as well as further 300 jobs, once operational.
The expansion project is expected to increase the production by 50%.
Quorn Foods chief executive Kevin Brennan said the company has committed to strengthen its presence in the North-East.
"As people are re-thinking their meat eating habits and realising 500 meals a year with meat is too much for our health and the planet, demand for our products has soared," Brennan added.
Quorn's main ingredient is a plant protein, which replicates the texture and taste of meat, and exports its product to 13 countries, including Australia and the US.
Quorn turnover has soared across the group from £131m in 2012 to £140.9m last year, indicating a rise of 7%. Its operating profit increased by £500,000 to £11.3m.
