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Nomad Foods has announced a £2.2 million investment in a new potato waffle production line at its Lowestoft factory in the UK, increasing manufacturing capacity and supporting the company’s long-term productivity and supply chain strategy.
Investment Increases Capacity and Strengthens Food Supply Chain Resilience
The investment forms part of a wider programme focused on improving efficiency, competitiveness and scale across the company’s manufacturing network. Nomad Foods is Europe’s largest frozen food company and owns brands including Birds Eye, Ledo, iglo, Findus and Frikom.
The new production line will increase annual potato waffle capacity to approximately 18,250 tonnes, equivalent to nearly 45 million potato waffles, helping the company meet growing consumer demand for one of its best-known product categories.
Expanding Capacity for High-Demand Frozen Foods
The Lowestoft facility currently manufactures potato waffles around the clock, alongside a range of other frozen food products.
According to Nomad Foods, the new production line has been designed to enhance manufacturing efficiency while supporting the supply of key household staples to UK consumers.
The investment reflects the company’s focus on increasing production capacity in categories where demand remains strong, while ensuring consistent supply across retail channels.
Supporting Manufacturing Efficiency and Supply Chain Performance
The waffle line expansion is part of a broader investment programme at the Lowestoft site.
Recent projects include a £12 million investment in chicken processing operations, alongside plans for an on-site wind turbine intended to provide long-term, predictable renewable energy costs. The facility already operates using green electricity.
Together, these investments are aimed at improving operational efficiency, increasing manufacturing capability and supporting long-term competitiveness across the company’s production network.
Commitment to UK Food Manufacturing
Nomad Foods said the investment demonstrates its continued commitment to UK food manufacturing at a time when global food systems face increasing pressure.
Eduardo Bachiega, Chief Supply Officer, Nomad Foods, said: “This latest investment at our Lowestoft site is testament to our long-term commitment to UK food manufacturing. By increasing our production capacity we’re directly responding to consumer demand for household favourites, such as potato waffles, that are already being manufactured 24/7 at the factory.
At a time of increasing pressure on global food systems, as well as ongoing cost-of-living challenges for consumers, we continue to invest in our operations ensuring key frozen food categories such as fish, vegetables, chicken and potatoes remain an accessible food choice for families across the UK and Europe.”
Lowestoft Site Plays Key Role in European Supply Network
The Lowestoft factory has been operating since 1949 and remains a significant part of Nomad Foods’ manufacturing footprint.
Spanning more than 25 acres, the facility is the largest private sector employer in the local area and produces a range of Birds Eye products, including chicken dippers, potato waffles, peas and coated fish.
The site is also playing an increasing role in supporting demand across Nomad Foods’ wider European operations, with approximately 15% of production exported to other markets.
