A giant freezer used by frozen food firms is set to bring in more business as it expands in size.

Ardo UK is spending £4m on making its cold store 20% bigger.

The fruit and veg producer, based in Charing, makes more money by storing food for companies bringing in frozen goods from mainland Europe.

Once the work is complete, its capacity will increase from 19,000 pallets to 23,200.

Ardo UK’s supply chain director Jon Barnes said: “Our cold store is just off the M20 and close to the Port of Dover and the Channel Tunnel, making us an attractive location for companies bringing in frozen goods from mainland Europe.

“Although cold storage is not our core business, it is an important additional source of income that helps make sure we remain a financially sustainable business.”

As well as the increased freezer space, the development will include new loading docks able to accommodate double-decker trailers.

Ardo UK was named Frozen Food Manufacturer of the Year in 2013.

It opened its current site in Charing in 2000, expanding it in 2010 with a new factory, packaging store and cold store extension.

The new development is scheduled to be finished by October this year.

Acoustic fencing and low level lighting will be used minimise light and noise disruption.