Leicester-based flapjack, muffin and cake producer Blackfriars Bakery has invested £1.2m in moving to a new 36,000 sq ft factory, which will enable it to improve efficiency and develop a raft of new products for major customer Holland & Barrett.

The firm has spent the past two years operating from two sites and has gradually moved to a newly refurbished factory in Wigston over the past six months. The new site has a capacity of 250,000 products per week.

"The flow of the factory is much more efficient, helping us offset rising raw material and utility costs," said MD Mike Madylus. "It will also give us the extra room to grow. We are working on a range of six new flapjacks and grab-and-go bars for Holland & Barrett, which will launch next year, and we plan to expand our biscuits and cookies range."