A COMPANY that employs more than 1,000 people at its food production sites in Wisbech and Long Sutton has achieved record sales.

Princes, the food and drink group, recorded sales of �1.51 billion in the year to March 31 2012, according to the latest accounts filed with Companies House.

The company, which manufactures a number of canned food brands including Crosse & Blackwell, Farrow’s, Smedley’s and Branston at the two sites, grew sales by 28 per cent during the year and generated a profit after tax of �31.1m, representing a 13 per cent increase on the previous year.

Ken Critchley, Princes Managing Director, attributes the company’s success to their strategic plan.

He said: “We have been investing in our brands, our production and supply capabilities, forming new strategic partnerships and opening new customer markets.

“The group has also invested in the infrastructure and people to build on our international growth, which is a core part of our strategy.”

The Princes Group now employs more than 6,000 people and operates 14 major food and drink production sites.