AAK: Hull oil producer announces one of ‘single largest’ investments in its history
Oils producer AAK has announced a major investment programme into its site in Hull.
AAK has said it plans to make a “substantial investment” at its site at King George Dock, at the Port of Hull, in a bid to expand production capacity and capability.
AAK operates one of the UK’s largest plant-based oils refineries in Hull, producing large volumes of vegetable oils for food manufacturers and retailers, as well as special nutrition and personal care brands.
AAK has been based in Hull since 1982, when it was founded as Anglia Oils. The company today employs around 300 people in the city.
Damian Taylor, AAK’s UK finance director, said: “The investment in our Hull site represents one of the single largest in AAK’s recent history.
“It will add significant new strings to our bow and enable us to diversify our plant-based oils range and the markets we supply to.”
The announcement comes after the business received £2m of funding through Humber Freeport’s seed capital fund, supporting the first phase of the firm’s investment programme.
The funding will aim to help strengthen AAK’s long-term presence in Hull, supporting the site’s continued development and future success.
Humber Freeport CEO, Simon Green, said: “AAK’s investment in Hull is the latest success story for a business which has made a significant contribution to the region’s economy for more than four decades.
“We’re delighted to have contributed, through the Freeport seed capital fund, to an investment which will both create new business opportunities in the Humber, and safeguard existing operations.
“AAK supports a food manufacturing sector which is vital to the Humber’s economic prosperity and future. Our seed capital fund is designed to support the feasibility of projects such as this – stimulating growth, driving new innovation and product development, and promoting sustainability.”
The company’s investment will generate a significant additional tonnage of cargo through the Port of Hull each year.
The investment is also expected to reduce Scope 1 and 2 carbon emissions intensity at the site by 39 per cent per tonne produced compared with 2025 levels.
Mr Taylor added: “We’d like to thank Humber Freeport for its support, through the seed capital fund, and for sharing our vision and ambitions for the Hull site.
“The funding provided valuable support during the feasibility stage of the project, and has enabled us to move forwards quickly and with confidence.”
In total, Humber Freeport’s seed capital fund has supported seven projects across the region, including Hull-based manufacturer Ideal Heating and industry skills training provider CATCH.