A family-run Cornish fudge business has acquired a site to build a new £500,000 factory, which will almost double its production space and output. 

Wadebridge- based firm The Buttermilk Confectionery Co aims to move its production to new premises in Bodmin, north Cornwall by January 2015.

David Goad, second-generation manager of the company, said: “We’re producing six-and-a-half tonnes of fudge every week in our current factory, but with space for extra machinery, the move to Bodmin means we can increase this to 10 tonnes.

“We’re passionate about what we do and it’s important for us to grow while maintaining our heritage and our connection to local suppliers. Our new premises are just eight miles from where we are now, so it means we can continue to do this. In fact, we’ll be even closer to some of our suppliers, which is great for reducing our food miles.”

The move will also allow the company to take on new staff to join its current team of 20.

The company has been producing traditionally handmade fudge since it started the business in 1964 in Padstow.

Rory Carter, senior relationship manager at commercial lender Natwest, said: “I was impressed with David and Tracy, their ambition and the fact that they are prepared to commit to what they want to do. They have a second-generation business and they’ve taken it to a level it hasn’t reached before.

“We’re seeing more of this kind of investment happening, people are more confident to take that little bit of risk. Cornish food and drink products especially have a really strong reputation at the moment, so there’s a lot of optimism in this sector.”

The Cornish fudge-maker currently produces 70 different flavours of fudge, as well as a range of other confectionery, such as toffee and truffles.