Bakeries put dough into fresh city base
0 Comments | Lincolnshire Echo, Jul 28, 2010 | by Dawn Hinsley
AN opening ceremony earlier this month saw the tape cut on a brand new home for Allied Bakeries in Lincoln.
Staff and their families were given the chance to explore the new premises in the old Walker Smiths building in Exchange Road, after operating from a site at Deacon Road for 50 years.
One of the longest-serving staff members who cut the ceremonial tape was Tony Harris, 61.
Mr Harris has been an employee at Allied Bakeries for 45 years – 36 spent in Lincoln.
He said: “I originally started with Allied Bakeries in Wales and came to Lincoln as transport manager in 1974. Then, in 2002, I was made area vehicle maintenance manager.
“When I came to Lincoln it was a bustling bakery and I remember there was always a lovely smell of bread.
“They ceased production in 1988, then turned it into a distribution site.”
Mr Harris revealed he was quite impressed with the new premises.
He said: “People will have a lovely, bright building with all refurbished offices. I think it will be good for everyone and they have a good site to support them now.”
John Parker, logistics executive with Allied Bakeries, has been overseeing the relocation.
“The building has been empty for about four years now and we have done a lot of work on it,” he said.
Mr Parker, 52, has worked for Allied Bakeries for 36 years and described the prospect of what the move will mean to staff as wonderful.
He said: “The Deacon Road building was built in 1958 and we were the first tenants.
“It was on lease to begin with then we purchased the land several years later.
“I actually started at Deacon Road in 1975, then moved around over the years and came back here about three years ago.
“It was actually a case of coming back here to help facilitate the move.
“I have seen quite dramatic changes over the years. When I first started here it was a bakery as well – it was a hive of activity. The bakery closed around 23 or 24 years ago.
“It came to the point where the building needed such a high level of investment that we decided to move to much more suitable premises.”
Paul Longley, Allied Bakeries’ logistics director, revealed the move could even result in additional jobs locally.
He said: “The move to our new depot will not only be instrumental in growing the business and taking the company forward, it will also add value to the local community and create new job opportunities, strengthening our existing 40-strong employee base
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