Raw pet food manufacturer Naturaw has quadrupled production capability following a £500,000 investment at its new facility.
The Wetherby-based operation, a B-Corp certified manufacturer, has added an automated production line following a recent move to Thorp Arch.
Priding itself on ethical sourcing, the 18-strong team has seen rapid growth, leading to the need to expand.
It secured funding through finance brokerage Trusted Business Partner.
Chris Broadbent, director said: “Last year we completed the move to our new Thorp Arch facility and knew we needed to increase our capacity by upgrading our current production lines.
“With business growth of over 120 per cent over the last two years, it was important to make sure that our production capability was futureproof going forward.
“The upgraded line ensures that a continually growing ‘rawvolution’ of demand can be met both from online customers and via our UK wide network of 150 independent stockists.
“Thanks to the upgrades, we’ve also been able to significantly update our packaging across the full product range and we’ve already had fantastic feedback from customers.”
Managing director of Trusted Business Partner, James Clinghan, was described as bringing “refreshing enthusiasm to the business” with the finance aiding the business to propel the investment forward.
It is now looking to achieve global B-Corp certification alongside other ec-credentials while continuing to expand the range.
Chris added: “The pet industry is such a huge growth area to be in and we’ve worked incredibly hard to ensure that we offer our customers the best quality raw products, using only high welfare meat from British farms.
“We’re looking forward to seeing what the next year has in store and are confident more UK pet owners will reap the benefits of using fresh, natural raw food.”
Newcastle-based Mr Clinghan launched his service after more than a decade working with a leading asset finance company and the UK’s biggest business bank.
He said: “Naturaw caters to a real gap in the pet market and it was a joy to work alongside such a passionate family-run business.
“The new production line is a fantastic progressional step for Naturaw and it’s excellent to see the business continue to set records and continue upon its growth trajectory thanks to our support.”
