With four plots of land ready for development in a few months’ time, two planning applications for new factories on the land at the Isle of Man Food Park, Peel have already been submitted. 

The Isle of Man Government has invested ?3.1 m in the site and expects the private sector to invest a similar amount, creating between 60 and 80 new jobs in the process.  Site development has included the very necessary, if invisible, provision of new drainage, power and gas supplies to the Park, so that both new and established businesses can benefit from these much improved facilities. An old building has been refurbished to create The Hub, an attractive meeting and office space which can be used by Food Park businesses to welcome buyers and other visitors.

CB Horne, Isle of Man Seafood Processors, have applied for planning permission to build an 11,000 sq foot factory on site and owner Barry Horne said: “the expansion of our business is very much needed, allowing us to build on our existing customer base in France, Belgium, Italy and Spain, earning valuable exports for the Island. This in turn will open up opportunities for the Manx fishermen who supply us, along with increased employment opportunities for Island residents. Our expansion plans have only been possible as a result of Government investment in drainage, gas and power – the old facilities would not have coped with the expansion nor been up to the standard now expected by our customers”.

DEFA Minister, Phil Gawne, MHK said: “I welcome the news that the Isle of Man Food Park is enabling local businesses to expand, generating extra income for the Manx economy.  To compete successfully in the global market for food, we need to have high quality production facilities as well as world class producers - and we increasingly have both at the Food Park”. 

Photo - Architect’s impression of the proposed new factory.