Heinz Ketchup set to be made in Wigan
It's the first time in nearly two decades the product, along with the firm's mayonnaise and salad cream, will have been produced in the UK.
Last updated 1st Jun 2021
Heinz ketchup may be made in the UK again after its maker unveiled one of its biggest investments in decades outside of the US.
Kraft Heinz said that it would pump #140 million into its Wigan plant Kitt Green, which is already the largest food manufacturing site in Europe.
It will modernise the factory over the next four years, installing new machinery and bring back the production of Heinz tomato ketchup, mayonnaise and salad cream to meet the demand from a new generation of UK consumers''.
The move is expected to create about 50 full-time jobs and would be the biggest investment in an existing manufacturing site outside the US by Kraft Heinz in more than two decades.
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 recognized,'' said Kitt Green site director, Luis Spinardi.
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.''
The investment was also welcomed by Joe Clarke, a national official for food, drink and agriculture at Unite the Union.
He said that after Brexit and near the end of a global pandemic, this is tremendous news for the hardworking members at Kraft Heinz and reflects the exceptional cooperative working that has been built upon over many years especially over the past 12 months with everybody pulling together through Covid, keeping the nation fed throughout the global pandemic.
Here's just rewards for everybody's hard work and effort.''
Kraft Heinz said that its new machinery would help minimise the use of non-renewable products, allowing its packaging to be fully recyclable, which much of it not recyclable at present.
Staff will need extra training to be able to operate the machines alongside the dozens of additional jobs that will be created.
Councillor David Molyneux, leader of Wigan Council, said: “This significant level of investment is a substantial boost to our local economy, and is news that we’re delighted to receive.
“The company has long-standing links with our borough, it’s fantastic for both existing employees and the wider population with the creation of new quality jobs and career opportunities.
“Such investment would be welcome at any time, but coming as it does when the borough is concentrating on its post-pandemic recovery plans, it is particularly heartening.
“Economic growth that benefits everyone is a key feature of our Deal 2030 plans and helping equip the borough’s workforce with appropriate skills and opportunities is a major part.
“We look forward to working in collaboration with Heinz for years to come.”