Merrychef, which manufacturs high-speed ovens for the hospitality industry, is investing in laser machine technology at its manufacturing site on Provincial Park, Sheffield, after strong growth in 2020.

The company, which celebrates its 70th year this year, said it had seen its second-best quarter on record at the end of 2020, with equipment built in Sheffield being shipped to all corners of the world, including, South Korea, Chile, the USA and Australia.

Although sectors of the hospitality industry in some countries have been forced to close due to the pandemic, Merrychef has continued to experience strong demand for its high-speed products which can be found in coffee shop and casual dining chains across the world.

This has been primarily driven by the significant number of operators turning to high-speed ovens, to facilitate a move to takeaway and click-and-collect operations.

Colin Lacey, Merrychef Vice President and Managing Director said: “To be able to invest in the Sheffield factory and create additional jobs in the local economy is particularly poignant right now, as we celebrate 70 years of the Merrychef brand.

“Last year was focused on ensuring the manufacturing plant was COVID-19 secure and ramping up production, but 2021 is about planning for the next 70 years and these investments are a big

step on that journey.”

Merrychef currently employ 220 people at its Provincial Park site and have been manufacturing in Sheffield since 2001. Merrychef is part of the Welbilt organisation which is based in Tampa Bay, Florida.