Pattons Bakery Investment 'On The Rise'

Newtownards-based Pattons Bakery has officially opened new £375,000 premises with the construction project enabling the business to cater for increased demand from key retail customers - such as the Henderson Group and Musgrave Retail Partners.

The company's investment in the purchase and fit-out of the new facility has been made possible through funding of £300,000 by Bank of Ireland.

Established in 2004 and employing 22 people, Pattons Bakery has seen its revenue growing by around £50,000 per annum in recent years. The company is planning for further growth, which may lead to new employment in the coming years.

The modern, 4,700 sq ft premises at Kiltonga Industrial Estate in Newtownards will provide Pattons with additional capacity, allowing the bakery to cater for the rising demand for its award-winning hand-baked goods from home bakeries and retail customers.

Anthony McVeigh, Relationship Manager, Business Banking, Bank of Ireland, said: "A longstanding client of the bank, Pattons Bakery is a real success story with a strong business plan, and we are delighted to be providing funding for the company through this key milestone in its growth.

"Bank of Ireland believes that Northern Ireland's small businesses sector is vitally important to economic recovery and we are keen to support viable businesses."

Warren Patton, Pattons Bakery, commented: "Before moving into these new premises we regularly had to turn business away.

"By increasing our storage and despatch capacity we are now perfectly placed to deliver higher volumes and meet the demand from our bakery and retail customers to serve a wider range of stores.

"Our focus on quality has been key to continued business growth. Bank of Ireland's advice and support throughout this process were instrumental in making this expansion possible."

The Mayor, Councillor Smyth added: "This investment in contemporary, state of the art new premises is a significant step for Pattons Bakery, demonstrating its strength in the market place and its potential to grow yet further.

"The company makes a substantial contribution to the local, as well as the Northern Ireland economy, and counts among one of the best food-related businesses for which Ards continues to establish a reputation.

"Ards Borough Council looks forward to working with Pattons in the future, particularly on cross-border projects which can open up further opportunities in Republic of Ireland markets."

(GK/BMcC)