A M King, an integrated Design-Build firm, has begun construction of the first baking facility for Bakkavor in the United States. The new state-of-the-art bakery at 10220 P Western Ridge Road at Highway 49 and Western Ridge Road will supply fresh prepared foods to local and regional grocery chains to keep up with product demand in Charlotte and the surrounding region.

Bakkavor Group is an international supplier of fresh prepared foods in four product categories: meals, salads, desserts and bread and pizza. The company has operations in the U.S., China and Spain; the focus in the U.S. is on the fast-growing fresh prepared food retail market specializing in meals, meal salads, dips, soups and sauces. The new bakery in Charlotte will produce half-baked artisan bread products topped with spices, cheeses, and select meat toppings (bacon and pepperoni) for Harris Teeter’s private label brand.

The multi-phased, fully integrated Design-Build upfit will include mechanical, electrical and plumbing work, all production area interiors (including a separate production employee entrance and locker room) and coordination of equipment installation.

“Because this facility is being patterned after a similar outfit in England, we are utilizing international equipment vendors,” says George Lehnerer, A M King business unit leader. “The benefit is that these vendors have already been used by the client in previous facilities and are familiar with the product. The challenges are potential language barriers, longer lead times in obtaining the equipment and scheduling coordination for the equipment install.