Supermarket and sandwich manufacturer supplier Geary’s Bakeries is expanding its factory after securing a £4.5m investment package.

Founded more than a century ago, the Leicestershire-based craft bakery is today owned by the fourth generation of the Geary family.

The bank funding package, created by NatWest, with help from the government’s Regional Growth Fund through the University of Derby, will be used to construct and fit-out a larger factory facility.

Geary’s, which already supplies long-fermentation bread and rolls to a range of retailers, including supermarkets and sandwich manufacturers, is now planning to expand its range.

The bakery has experienced a significant upturn in business since the appointment of Jason Geary as managing director a decade ago, with annual turnover reaching £20m in 2016.

“The funding from NatWest will allow us to continue to grow our business, which has been a staple part of Leicester since 1906,” Geary said.

“Our bakery is passionate about producing high-quality long-fermentation baked goods at competitive prices, while maintaining our traditional craft methods and values.

“We are committed to the local community. We’re also grateful that the investment from NatWest will not only allow us to construct the new factory, but enable us to give back to Leicester in the form of job creation.”