Gafoor poultry Products Ltd, one of the UK’s longest serving halal poultry processors, is reaping the benefits from a substantial investment at the purpose-built high-tech processing plant in Preston. Having posted a substantial year on year growth in business over the last four years the company is set for further expansion.
An initial investment of £4million was injected in the business to automate the factory and to boost production. A further capital investment was made to bring the company’s environmental commitments in line with UK/EU legislation. These robust efforts have paid off handsomely for the award winning company by increased orders, which in turn has boosted the local economy through the creation of additional employment in the area.
Another feather in Gafoor’s cap is achieving British Retail Consortium Global Food Standard accreditation in recognition of the advances the company has made in ensuring exacting high standards of food safety.
Gaining BRC accreditation will help drive the company forward as it seeks to make an impact on the food market with methodical planning to target major blue chip outlets and the impending launch of its own brand chicken products.
Gafoor spokesperson Dave Broxton said: "Our strategy is to become one of the UK’s leading providers of chicken products, not only to the halal market but also to the conventional chicken sector. Gaining BRC accreditation is the key to unlocking the doors to blue chip food manufacturers and supermarkets."
Gafoor’s sizeable investment in its Preston plant is a testament to the company’s commitment to the local community. The facility is now fully automated and incorporates the latest environmental systems for managing emissions.
A carefully planned operating system has allowed the company to implement a minute by minute just in time delivery system which allows the product to be slaughtered and sold fresh on a daily basis. Gafoor is also very conscious of its food miles and sources over 80 percent of its birds from local farms. To improve this figure and maintain steady supply, the company has recently purchased a farm near to the site and has plans to acquire more farms that meet the company’s exacting standards.
The business has come a long way since 1964 when it was first established by three brothers. Gafoor is now a key employer in the area and processes over 450,000 birds a week. It serves both the wholesale and retail sectors throughout the UK, including the NHS and HM Prison Services.
The family business is now jointly managed by sons of the original founders Mr Tahir Vaza and Mr Maksud Patel. Gafoor is proud of its local roots and has supported many charitable causes including Christies cancer research and sponsoring disabled children through a sports facilities programme.
Gafoor is mindful of its impact on the local community and the environment making its success and continuing investment in high-tec equipment, local employees and local suppliers good news for everyone.
