Dowson Food Machinery, the bakery equipment manufacturer, is moving to a larger factory in Keighley, West Yorkshire.

The 48,000 sq ft factory, bought by Dowson’s holding company Aegeus Industries for an undisclosed sum, gives the company 2.5 times more operating space to help keep pace with growth. It also brings all manufacturing activity, formerly split over two sites in Bingley, under one roof.

It is also hoped the larger facility will allows the company to expand its workforce from 50 to 60 over the next two years.

Dowson produces a wide range of bakery equipment including baggers, slicers and splitters and, two years ago, bought JBS, which specialised in roll, bun and flatbread lines, decorating units, oven loaders, dividers and moulders. JBS’ activities have since been absorbed into Dowson’s sites.

The company claims 70% market share for its baggers, splitters and roll lines, which are used by leading bakeries including Greggs, Warburtons and Délifrance.

Nick Lacey, managing director of Dowson, said: “When Dowson acquired JBS we gradually incorporated all the in-house manufacturing into our two sites at Bingley but we have outgrown both sites due to our increasing success at providing bespoke systems to our UK and worldwide customers. This new factory will enable us to make additional efficiencies in our working practices, plus it will give us more space to grow.”