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Enabling business growth for leading snack provider

Leading European snack provider, Intersnack Group, is expanding operations at its Butterkist popcorn factory to allow for more production to take place.

Following a three-month design development period working closely with the customer design team, I&G are delighted to confirm the start of the Butterkist Factory Extension in Pontefract for KP Snacks, part of the Intersnack Group.

The scheme will provide a much-needed automated packing facility for the plant ensuring the long term future for the brand leading products produced on the site.

The Strategic Plan

The scheme has been over two years in its development and forms part of a number of other areas of improvement across the factory to update and improve efficiencies for the process and staff areas.

Kernel Popping Progress

The scheme commenced with the specialist removal of external chiller units and associated infrastructure to make way for the construction activities that will see the extensive removal of the reinforced concrete yard area, existing steel structure to make way for the new extension.

The extension will be constructed over a six-month period and working closely with the specialist automation installer, the building will be constructed to make allowance for the equipment installation expected to commence in late August 2023.

Once the raft foundation is constructed around the complex network of below ground services, the structural frame, specialist cladding and external doors will follow to ensure the shell and core is in place for the client install that will transform the manufacturing output of this well know factory in Pontefract.

The Next Stages in Production

In addition to the main infrastructure works, I&G have secured internal works to assist the installation of the conveyors and specialist equipment to ensure the new equipment navigates through the existing structure of the factory floor and live work environments.

Once the shell and core are complete, attention will focus on the reinstatement of the external yard areas that will include a bespoke fire escape access and access routes for the customer forklift equipment and logistics compound areas.

Bite of Butterkist History

In 1914, Fred Hoke and James Holcomb began to sell popcorn machines in Kentucky, United States under the brand of Butter-Kist. As their business developed, vendors began buying popcorn machines and the brand began to spread. In 1938 Butter-Kist machines made their way to the UK via an unknown route, developing the brand as in the United States through sales to cinema audiences. During World War II, the brand developed quickly, thanks to the many United States Army personnel stationed in the UK.

After the Second World War, Craven Keiller developed a factory in York to sell Butterkist branded popcorn direct to cinema chains. As many items were rationed in the UK post the Second World War, but the basic ingredients of Butterkist were not, the brand developed into the UK’s lead selling popcorn brand.

The Butterkist brand was acquired on 17th July 2017 by Intersnack Group and since the takeover, KP Snacks have introduced a number of new varieties to include: Salted, Microwavable Salted, Sweet, Microwavable Sweet, Sweet and Salty, Microwavable Sweet and Salty, Toffee and can you believe Orange Chocolate Toffee

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