Company’s move to city creates new jobs

CK Foods currently specialises in the processing of pizza cheese but as part of its investment it is also developing a poultry product line.

It is due to move into its new 30,000 sq ft home in Ripley Street, West Bowling, Bradford, next year in what could become the first phase of a food manufacturing cluster in West Bowling. There are plans being prepared for a further three industrial units, totalling 24,500 sq ft, to be constructed on the same site.

CK Foods, which is currently based in Hull, approached Bradford Council in a bid to find a suitable location for a larger, specialist food production plant.

The authority put forward the former derelict land on Ripley Street which had been purchased and reclaimed in 2004 and 2005 using cash from Yorkshire Forward and the European Regional Development Fund.

Coun David Green, the council’s executive member for regeneration and economy, said yesterday: “It is very pleasing that we have helped bring extra investment and jobs into the district with this new business.

“This purpose-built unit will provide CK Foods with everything they need, including access to a strong workforce, to make a great contribution to the Bradford economy.

“The prospect of developing a cluster of companies connected to food production is one we hope will have a real resonance with the sector and act as a magnet for further inward investment.”

Omar Bhamji, managing director of CK Foods, said: “The move to Bradford represents the next phase of our growth as a business and it is a very exciting time for us.

“We chose Bradford because it is well-located for access to suppliers and customers and provides access to an expanding and skilled workforce,” he added last night