Bradford-based soft drinks company Princes has announced an ambitious growth plan for the next three years.

The firm's parent company, international foods and soft drink group Princes Limited, is aiming to double its total business by the end of 2004.

The firm, which employs 489 full-time staff at its Bradford site, off Toftshaw Lane, has restructured itself into three distinct operating groups.

Princes Foods Trading and Manufacturing (UK), Princes Foods International, and Princes Soft Drinks (UK and Europe) have each been appointed their own management team.

Under the shake-up, current managing director in Bradford Trevor Millen continues as md of the Princes Soft Drinks UK division, while a new chief executive role is still to be filled.

Mr Millen said: "Our priority for this year is to focus on securing organic growth within the British market.

"We will decide on the opportunities to grow our business within the broader European market following the appointment of a Chief Executive later in the year."

The reorganisation and expansion plans follow a number of acquisitions made by Princes during the last two years, including the takeover of Italian food producer Napolina.

Each divisional chief executive for the group, whose soft drinks sector hit is the third biggest in Britain and hit an annual turnover of £300m last year, will report to chairman Kevin Narita.

He said: "Over the past few years we have invested heavily in businesses and brands.

"This has broadened our offer for consumers such that it delivers the product quality and innovation consistent with market leadership.

"This new structure will enable us to reinforce those values and our focus on being a least-cost producer with a lean organisation which is vital to continued success in the food and drink sector."

Princes' Bradford-based division had plans to build a new national distribution centre near Westgate Hill knocked back in 2000 after mass opposition from local residents.