AAK secures £2 million Humber Freeport backing for major Hull expansion

AAK has secured £2 million (US$2.7 million) from Humber Freeport to support the first phase of what the company describes as one of the largest investments in its recent history at its Hull production site.

• AAK has received £2 million (US$2.7 million) from Humber Freeport's seed capital fund toward a significant investment program at its Hull facility.
• The project will expand production capacity and diversify the range of plant-based oils manufactured at the King George Dock site.
• AAK expects the investment to cut Scope 1 and 2 carbon emissions intensity per tonne produced by 39% compared with 2025 levels.

The plant-based oils specialist plans to make a substantial investment at its King George Dock facility at the Port of Hull, increasing both production capacity and manufacturing capabilities.

AAK operates one of the UK's largest plant-based oils refineries at the site, producing vegetable oils for food manufacturers and retailers as well as customers in the special nutrition and personal care markets.

The company has operated in Hull since 1982, when the business was established as Anglia Oils, and currently employs around 300 people in the city.

The £2 million (US$2.7 million) contribution comes from Humber Freeport's £25 million (US$33.8 million) seed capital fund and supported the feasibility stage of the first phase of AAK's investment program.

Although AAK has not disclosed the total value of its planned investment, UK Finance Director Damian Taylor described its scale as particularly significant for the company.

"The investment in our Hull site represents one of the single largest in AAK's recent history. It will add significant new strings to our bow and enable us to diversify our plant-based oils range and the markets we supply to," said Taylor.

"We'd like to thank Humber Freeport for its support, through the seed capital fund, and for sharing our vision and ambitions for the Hull site. The funding provided valuable support during the feasibility stage of the project, and has enabled us to move forwards quickly and with confidence."

The expansion is also expected to increase the volume of cargo moving through the Port of Hull each year, creating additional opportunities for companies in the surrounding supply chain.

AAK said the investment would improve the environmental performance of the facility as production expands. Scope 1 and 2 carbon emissions intensity at the site is expected to fall by 39% per tonne produced compared with 2025 levels.

Simon Green, CEO of Humber Freeport, said the project would support both AAK's existing operations and further development in the region.

"AAK's investment in Hull is the latest success story for a business which has made a significant contribution to the region's economy for more than four decades," said Green.

"We're delighted to have contributed, through the Freeport seed capital fund, to an investment which will both create new business opportunities in the Humber, and safeguard existing operations.

"AAK supports a food manufacturing sector which is vital to the Humber's economic prosperity and future. Our seed capital fund is designed to support the feasibility of projects such as this, stimulating growth, driving new innovation and product development, and promoting sustainability."

The investment adds another project to a broader funding program intended to encourage private-sector investment across the Humber region.

Humber Freeport's £25 million (US$33.8 million) seed capital fund has so far supported seven projects. Other recipients include Hull manufacturer Ideal Heating, industry skills training provider CATCH and Associated British Ports, which received support for development of the Helm industrial park at Immingham.

According to data compiled by Humber Freeport, the seed capital program is expected to help unlock more than £170 million (US$230 million) of private-sector investment. That equates to almost £7 million (US$9.5 million) of private investment for every £1 million (US$1.4 million) provided through the fund.

For AAK, the funding comes as it prepares to expand a Hull operation that has been part of its UK manufacturing footprint for more than four decades, with the first phase focused on adding capacity, broadening its plant-based oils portfolio and improving production efficiency.

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