TWO of the country's most successful frozen food companies, Ardo Shearway Ltd and Ryan Foods Ltd, have formally merged.

The new company, called Ardo UK Limited, is based at Ardo Shearway's headquarters in Charing, near Ashford.

Stephen Waugh, formerly managing director of Ardo Shearway Ltd, who will head Ardo UK Limited, said: "Substantial investment in the new company is planned, including the expansion of the current site, which in turn will lead to even more jobs for the area."

The merger will give customers a far wider choice of services and an increased focus on manufacturing is planned.