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Kraft Heinz has announced plans to invest £140 million in its Kitt Green food manufacturing facility, which is located near Wigan, in the UK.
The company says that the proposed investment would be its biggest in more than two decades in an existing manufacturing site outside of the US.
The investment – which is subject to final US approvals from Kraft Heinz later this year – could reportedly create up to 50 new full-time positions.
Kitt Green currently produces 1.3 billion cans of food per year, of which 94% is consumed in the UK, and the capital will be used to further modernise the site’s manufacturing capabilities.
Brands including Heinz Beanz will continue to be produced at Kitt Green, while Kraft Heinz also plans to use the investment to bring sauce manufacturing for products such as Heinz Tomato Ketchup and Salad Cream back to the UK, in order to build extra European capacity.
In addition, the investment will fund updated manufacturing equipment and technology, helping the site to reduce its CO2 footprint.
“This is a very exciting time for Kitt Green and I am proud that the potential for the site to grow and modernise is being recognised,” said Luis Spinardi, site director at Kitt Green.
“Not only are we excited to be expanding our product mix by bringing sauces back to the UK but also look forward to a more efficient facility with a sustainable future.”
Gerry Grimstone, UK Minister for Investment, added: “Whether you’re a Heinz Mayonnaise or Ketchup fan, the Kraft Heinz investment is a vote of confidence in the UK economy from a major US firm and a boost that will mean jobs and growth for the local economy in Wigan.
“The US is a key trading partner and we are committed to striking an ambitious trade deal that opens up new opportunities for our businesses, brings in more investment and creates better jobs for people across the whole of the country.”
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