Kraft Heinz to invest £140m in Kitt Green

The Kraft Heinz Company has revealed plans to invest £140m in Kitt Green, the Wigan food manufacturing facility.

Some 50 full-time jobs are set to be created by the proposed investment, which is subject to final US regulatory approvals later this year.

The US-based food company claimed that the funding will be used to further modernise the manufacturing capabilities of the site over the next four years.

Specifically, the group will bring its sauce production back to the UK, upgrade its machinery, and drive the plant to deliver its ESG commitments.

Luis Spinardi, site director at Kitt Green, said: “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. 

“Consumers remain at the centre of everything we do, and  this was particularly evident during the pandemic; I would like to thank all our teams for their relentless dedication, commitment and resilience throughout the year helping to feed the nation.”

Heinz added that the investment represented a “strong vote of confidence in post-Brexit Britain”, as it aligns its strategy with the government’s levelling up agenda.

Gerry Grimstone, UK minister for investment, said: “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.”