HEREFORD food processing company Sun Valley Foods has invested £2.5m in a new packing hall.

The upgraded facility, at its Yazor Road food processing plant, is equipped with state-of-the-art cutting and packing machinery, designed to help the company expand its business in the retail market.

The new packing area will supply whole chickens and chicken portions for rotisserie and meat counters in supermarkets across the country.

Sun Valley does significant business with retailers such as Morrisons, Sainsbury's and Iceland, and it is hoping the new investment will result in further opportunities to grow.

"The food business is a constantly changing environment and it's important that we continually look at ways to meet our customers' ever-evolving needs and product requirements," said managing director Hugh Guill.

"This latest investment demonstrates our commitment to maintaining our position as one of the country's leading food processors."

The plant was officially opened by Morrisons' deputy managing director, Marie Melynck.

Mr Guill said the new facility would better meet the needs of its retail partners, offering the latest technology in the processing of products.