Last updated at 13:25, Friday, 01 February 2013

A £2 million extension to a Keswick dessert firm will create up to 50 jobs over five years if plans get the go ahead.

Classic Desserts, based at the Blencathra Business Centre, has applied to the Lake District National Park Authority for a new manufacturing base.

It is hoped that the extension would see the workforce increase from 25 to 50 over the first three years and then up to 75 over five years.

The company applied to create a new building because there were no suitable units at the business centre to accommodate the required manufacturing space.

The space problem restricted the products it could offer to customers.

Ben Shamash, company director, said the extension would allow production of more inventive puddings and cakes and an expansion to the current service.

The new building would include a production, frozen and chilled storage area and a reception area on the first floor with office space, canteen and kitchen above. Additional car parking will also be provided.

If the application is approved, work would start as soon as possible to be completed by the end of the year.

The company, which began in 2003, supplies desserts and cakes to restaurants and coffee shops, individual customers and supplies national chains such as JD Wetherspoon.

First published at 12:48, Friday, 01 February 2013
Published by http://www.timesandstar.co.uk