THE parent company behind a recently opened £12 million pastry products factory in Norton is enjoying a rise in pastry sales.

Cranswick, which owns Yorkshire Baker, is expecting to post a 13 per cent increase in sales for the year ending March 31, 2014, when it releases its full results next month.

The firm, which processes and supplies fresh pork, sausage, bacon, cooked meats, charcuterie, pastry products and sandwiches, said strong growth was seen across most product categories.

Cranswick invested £20 million in infrastructure during the year, including £12 million in a new factory for Yorkshire Baker, near Malton, which saw higher than anticipated start-up costs.

Cranswick said strong cash generation from operating activities through the final quarter will result in year-end net debt being substantially lower than at the end of quarter three and below the level reported at the last financial year end.