Glasshouse to double in size

4 October 2006

Cornerways, the fresh produce business of British Sugar plc, today announced that it will be doubling it’s Cornerways Nursery site to a total of 26.7 acres.

The business, established in 2000, is based near Downham Market in Norfolk and is the UK’s largest producer of classic round tomatoes. Located next to the Wissington sugar factory it is able to make use of heat and carbon dioxide produced as part of the sugar manufacturing process. Improvements in energy efficiency have been such that the additional area of glass can now be serviced with these valuable inputs.

“By continuing to develop the usage of low grade heat and carbon dioxide which would otherwise be lost to atmosphere, we are able to improve the overall cost effectiveness of our Wissington operation and reduce our environmental impact still further.” commented British Sugar chief executive Mark Carr. “The additional area will also allow us to support the customers who have worked with us over the past 6 years in meeting the increasing demand for ‘produce with provenance’.”

This expansion of the site will be used to supply the UK tomato market where more than 83% of volume is currently imported. Building is expected to commence shortly with planting planned in February of 2007 to meet the English summer season.

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Note to editors:
1. Cornerways is the business name of Cornerways Nursery, a division of British Sugar plc.
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