Connecticut site wins Pepperidge Farms top plant award

Pepperidge Farm Inc. announced October 12 that its Bloomfield, Conn., bakery, located at 1414 Blue Hills Avenue, received the “Rudkin Award” as the company’s manufacturing plant of the year for 2006. This is the second consecutive year the plant has received this honor, which is a company record.

The award, which is named for Pepperidge Farm founder Margaret Rudkin, was presented by senior vice president of operations Bob Furbee to plant manager Mike Vallen in ceremonies at the facility.

Each year, the eight Pepperidge Farm manufacturing sites across the United States compete for the Rudkin Award. The winner is chosen based on performance in four areas: customer satisfaction, cost management, consumer satisfaction and safe work environment.

The Pepperidge Farm Bloomfield facility was built in 2003 and currently employs a workforce of 260. The 265,000-square-foot plant produces a broad range of Pepperidge Farm premium bakery products including fresh breads and rolls, croutons and stuffing.