Lebanese manufacturer of food processing equipment Averda has purchased two bakeries as part of its strategy to build a food-on-the-move business in the UK.

Devon-based Abbey Vale Bakery and Speciality Foods were both purchased while in administration.

Averda’s Geoff Peppiatt said Averda was attracted by Abbey Vale’s high quality products, loyal customer base and spare manufacturing capacity. It plans to triple production at the Newton Abbot site.

Peppiatt said Averda would create purchasing, warehousing and distribution efficiencies in the two companies and work harder at marketing and sales.