Quorn creates world’s biggest meat alternative factory with 102,300 sq ft expansion in Billingham

Quorn Foods has opened the world’s biggest meat alternative production facility in County Durham.

The 102,300 sq ft expansion of the firm’s Belasis factory in Billingham, launched on Thursday (November 15), will double production capacity by adding around 20,000 tonnes per annum.

Part of a £150m investment, the project means the facility will now produce 1.33 million packs of Quorn products every week – the equivalent of meat from 1,600 cows.

Efficiency improvements included in the scheme will help Quorn continue to cut its carbon emissions per tonne of food produced, which is already down 35% since 2012.

It follows Quorn’s decision to eliminate 297 tonnes of non-recyclable plastic from its supply chain, and a pledge to achieve 100% recyclable, reusable or compostable packaging by 2025.

Chief exec Kevin Brennan commented: “We are the world leader in meat alternatives and have seen our business grow by 16% in the last year.

“We see decades of growth ahead of us as consumers respond to growing environmental concerns around meat production. We provide dramatic sustainability benefits compared to meat and with this new facility will enhance those benefits further.”

He added: “Sustainability is at the heart of our organisation and we are committed to ensuring we are being responsible with the carbon footprint of our business.”

Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen was present to open the facility.

He said: “Huge household-name businesses are thriving in this region. Quorn Foods’ products are sold around the world, making it an important part of our export economy.

“It is just one example of how our skills base will help businesses and with them, our region, succeed in an outward-looking post-Brexit world.”

Mayor Houchen continued: “This new multi-million-pound facility, which will double Quorn Foods’ output, shows the firm’s confidence in our area as a great place to invest and do business.

“It brings with it good jobs, better working practices and the potential for further investment - all central to our aim of driving forward a high-growth, high-wage, low-welfare economy.”

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