11th Nov 2026

Vitax makes investment in Skelmersdale operations capability

Vitax has invested in automation and new machinery at its Skelmersdale site, giving the business greater flexibility to respond to customer demand and support future growth.

The investment has spread across a series of operational and production upgrades and new additions to the business. Filling, packing and wrapping operations have been upgraded, and new automation lines have been introduced, with line capacity increased by more than 700% in some cases, alongside improved accuracy and reliability.

The investment follows the success of a project which was match-funded by Government and delivered by the Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC). Through MTC's Reach programme, Vitax worked with MTC to develop and trial a bespoke automated system for one of its products. The MTC also identified a supplier in Coventry to help Vitax deploy the new production line on its factory floor.

Anja Gooding, CEO of Vitax, said: “As a family business, we invest for the long term. We’re upgrading our operations, improving our environmental performance and creating more capacity to support our growth.

“The new upgrades and investments we’ve made will help us to continue delivering the best possible results for gardeners and trade partners throughout the UK.

“Going into 2027, we have many more plans for the business and are looking forward to bringing them to life.”

UK households spent more than £9 billion on garden retail products in 2025, and the market has remained strong despite challenging growing conditions in 2026.

Vitax has also invested in the people behind its Skelmersdale operations, strengthening expertise across production, maintenance, compliance, sustainability and project management.

Alongside the manufacturing and operational improvements, Vitax has installed solar panels and introduced more energy-efficient machinery, packaging and production processes.