A Derby-based luxury doughnut company is moving into a brand-new bakery in the city which is 11 times bigger than its previous home and will become a central hub for its UK-wide expansion.
Project D, which produces hand-made artisan doughnuts, says the expansion will create an extra 100 jobs in the city.
Staff in the 11,000 sq ft unit in Spondon will operate 24 hours a day, producing enough doughnuts to expand the company’s delivery service nationwide, which already covers a region from Birmingham to Leeds.
The company has also secured a lease on a unit in Leeds which will create a further 20 new jobs and act as a distribution hub for the north of England.
From left, Matthew Bond, Max Poynton and Jacob Watts in Project D’s new bakery.
Co-owner Max Poynton said: “This is a really big step for Project D, but the time is definitely right.
“We just can’t keep up with the demand in the bakery we have at the moment and we get enquiries all the time from areas outside of our current delivery routes, so we know the market is there.
“We are already interviewing for new bakers and delivery drivers and we anticipate that we will need more and more in the run up to Christmas. It’s going to be all hand’s on deck.”
The company, which changes the flavours of its doughnuts regularly and also offers a vegan range, plans to turn the Leeds hub into a flagship store next year – creating a further 10 jobs. They also plan to open premises in London and Manchester by April next year.
The expansion comes after the announcement that Project D had won an innovation award from Marketing Derby – an agency that promotes the city and county further afield to attract investment.
READ MORE: Project D awarded by Marketing Derby for their innovation and adaptability throughout lockdown
The company was handed the award after impressing Derby business leaders with its innovation during lockdown – changing Project D’s business model to a delivery and pop-up sales service, as well as supplying essential goods to those in need during a national shortage.
Max added: “This is a really exciting time for Project D and we are really grateful the people of Derby for supporting us.
“We are all from Derby ourselves and this will always be Project D’s home – but we’re definitely ready for the next step and to take on the rest of the UK.”
ENDS
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