Sodexo launches Kitchen Works Co concept to meet manufacturing sector needs

Sodexo has launched its first incarnation of Kitchen Works Co, a food offering specifically designed to meet the needs of employees in manufacturing and data centre environments.

First deployed at Toyota's Burnaston manufacturing site in Derby this week, Kitchen Works Co is a response to the foodservice company's own research, which found that 64% of staff were aware that productivity was directly related to diet, with 68% regarding food quality as important. However, only 32% felt well catered for.

The new offering for the site's 2,600 workers follows a refurbishment, adapting the layout and introducing digital screens, new furniture and new menu options.

A a range of meal options will be available touching on trends in global cuisine, plant-based dishes and grab and go options. Alongside a traditional sausage and mash, employees will also have access to the likes of chipotle glazed belly pork with gratin potatoes and sautéed courgettes; and chicken katsu curry with rice.

James Mundy, marketing manager for corporate services at Sodexo UK & Ireland said: "Kitchen Works Co takes its inspiration from modern quick service restaurants with a home-from-home feel.

"It has been created to provide a mix of familiar favourites with more aspirational dishes in a relaxing environment.

"With sustainability a key concern for many we are pleased that our chefs will be using ‘wonky' fruit and veg, which not only allows them to be inspired by in-season produce but enables them to use their creativity and culinary skill to create some delicious dishes for the Burnaston workforce."

Christine Cooke, senior manager for purchasing at Toyota, added: "We are delighted with our new Kitchen Works Co restaurant which will vastly improve the employee experience for our colleagues at Burnaston.

"It is critical we attract and retain talent at this key manufacturing base for us and giving them access to great, healthy food, in a nice environment and in a way that allows them to maximise their downtime is a vital part of that mix."

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