Yorkshire dog food manufacturer Walker & Drake has completed a new cold-pressed production facility in Barnsley.
The £900,000 investment follows significant growth in sales of cold-pressed dog food and natural treats produced by the company, which only began trading after the first lockdown in 2020.
Director David Taylor said: “The requirement for continuing growth-driven expansion, and the increased complexities around exporting into Europe, meant we really had to take all production and packing in-house, and build something bespoke to us that futureproofed our production capacity.
“We are passionate about keeping our production here and having control over all aspects of it. Just like the ingredients we use in our products we’ve sourced the equipment, fabrication, and installation from UK companies wherever possible.”
Walker & Drake produces three ranges of cold pressed dog food including varieties specially formulated for small breeds and puppies, as well as a range of soft-baked dog treats. The company moved to larger premises last year to facilitate the extra space required for the new factory and warehousing and has created an efficient workflow from goods-in, through the production process to bagging, warehousing and finished product.
Sales director Tim Matthews added: “We have developed great products with clear nutritional advantages, we strive to create a culture of integrity, to communicate clearly and honestly with our customers, and to educate and support our stockists.
“Our cold pressed dog food is a premium product focussed on gut health, and we are constantly talking with our customers to understand what they want for their dogs. The ability to develop new products in a dynamic fashion is fantastic, and the relationships we have already nurtured with our suppliers mean we get the access to the best ingredients available at any time.”
