Huntapac secures finance for new machinery and vehicles

Tarleton-based vegetable wholesaler Huntapac Produce has secured £800,000 to invest in new machinery, vehicles and green initiatives.

Huntapac grows, packs and distributes carrots and parsnips to the country’s biggest retailers. The company operates a network of farms around the UK, with 350 of its total 550 workforce employed in Lancashire.

With the new funding, the company will purchase two new Prinoth Panther dumpers. The bespoke-built machines are the latest innovative technology for high-volume, low ground pressure farming, reducing impact on the land and allowing growers to harvest crops year-round.

Funds will also be allocated to help Huntapac reduce its environmental impact, including acquiring hybrid fleet vehicles, installing EV chargers and fitting LED lighting in its packhouse.

The funding has been provided by Lombard, part of the NatWest Group, which has been working with the fourth-generation family-owned firm for 18 years.

Warren Hunter, managing director, said: "We have a fantastic history from small beginnings in Lancashire to expanding our network around the UK.

"While we will always remain a family-orientated business at heart, our ambition is to continue this growth while being mindful of our impact on the natural environment that we rely upon for our operations."