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Mar 27, 2024

Former site and machinery of historic pie maker sold out of admin

The former site and machinery of a historic West Yorkshire pork pie manufacturer have been sold out of administration. Vale of Mowbray traced its roots to the Vale of Mowbray Brewery, which was opened

The former site and machinery of a historic West Yorkshire pork pie manufacturer have been sold out of administration.

Vale of Mowbray traced its roots to the Vale of Mowbray Brewery, which was opened in 1795. The Leeming Bar-based business began making pork pies in 1928.

The company experienced significant financial challenges due to rising raw material costs, increasing energy costs and difficulties with recruitment. Despite attempts to attract new investment, the business was no longer able to meet its financial obligations and ceased to trade.

Martyn Pullin, Mark Hodgett and David Shambrook of specialist business advisory firm FRP were appointed as joint administrators to Vale of Mowbray Ltd on 28 September 2022.

As of Wednesday 1 March 2023, the joint administrators have secured the sale of the freehold manufacturing site in Leeming Bar, and the plant and machinery.

NewCold, a Dutch-based international company specialising in advanced automated warehousing and cold chain logistics, has purchased the site. Compleat Foods, makers of Classic Pork Pies and Melton Mowbray Pies, has bought the plant and machinery.

Martyn Pullin, partner at FRP and joint administrator of Vale of Mowbray Ltd, said: "Despite trading for almost 100 years, Vale of Mowbray faced significant challenges and was no longer able to operate or secure the investment needed to trade.

"While it's never easy saying goodbye to an established brand, we're pleased to have found buyers for both the site and machinery and wish them all the best in the future."