Ryvita brings 100 new jobs to Bardney

Associated British Foods (ABF) has confirmed it is opening a new baking and distribution facility on the site of a former sugar factory.

The development will produce Ryvita crackers. Ryvita is one of the many companies owned by ABF.

West Lindsey District councillor Ian Fleetwod, who represents Bardney, described the new jobs as ‘great news’.

However, Coun Fleetwood stressed he hoped the jobs would go to local residents.

He said: “There are a lot of people in the village who used to work at the sugar factory and haven’t been able to get a job since it closed. Hopefully, they will be the first in line.

“Any jobs are welcome but it would be great to see these going being offered to local people.”

Coun Fleetwood admitted the majority of Bardney residents were forced to commute to Lincoln for work - or travel much longer distances.

He said that the price of fuel was making it difficult for many families.

Coun Fleetwood added: “I’m sure there will be a lot of interest locally in the jobs.

“I think this (investment by ABF) is brilliant news for Bardney. While I wouldn’t say the place is booming, it is definitely on the up.”

The Ryvita factory is expected to open next spring and Coun Fleetwood believes it will boost the whole area.

He added: “Construction work has started and people working on the site are using local shops. As more people come onto site, the better it will be for those businesses.”

Ryvita says various openings will be created, including engineering and warehouse vacancies. The company says recruitment has started and pledged to ‘look at the local area’.

Sugar production ended at Bardney in 2001. The site has been used for packaging and storage.