Up to 1,000 new jobs to be created in Scunthorpe
Wren Kitchens is expanding in the area
Last updated 30th Jan 2023
Wren Kitchens is to expand and build a new factory near Scunthorpe, which could create up to a thousand new jobs.
The UK kitchen maker employs over 8,500 people already and has two factories in Scunthorpe and its headquarters at The Nest, Barton. It has bought off North Lincolnshire Council land off Moat Lane, Scunthorpe, about one mile north of its existing manufacturing facility in Foxhills Industrial Estate.
Brigg and Goole MP Andrew Percy, Scunthorpe MP Holly Mumby-Croft, council leader Cllr Rob Waltham and Wren Kitchen staff marked the landmark sale. The council owned the land as part of its regeneration plans of the area. “It’s a really important site for us locally in terms of job creation and Wren are coming here. They’ve already got one site in Scunthorpe, they’ve got that amazing site in Barton and they’re expanding even further to bring some of their material manufacture here.”
Asked how many jobs could be created by the new factory, Cllr Waltham said: “Well, the site here and the size of the unit we’re talking, it could be up to a thousand jobs, which is a really promising future.” It will provide an opportunity for Wren Kitchens to be more sustainable by producing component parts in the UK rather than getting from overseas.
“Securing the technical jobs in design and product development as well as the manufacturing roles will have a big impact on the local economy.”The site was made accessible with a new road and associated infrastructure.
This was funded by almost £1m from the government’s Local Growth Fund through the Greater Lincolnshire Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP). North Lincolnshire Council also contributed £300,000 from its Jobs Growth Fund.
“I’m delighted that the million pounds of government funding has allowed us to open up this site and bring hopefully jobs and skills into the area with Wren and all the work they’re doing locally,” said Holly Mumby-Croft MP.
Its existing Foxhills Industrial Estate plant was opened in 2021. The 150,000 sq ft Scunthorpe North site is a quartz manufacturing facility and when opened, created up to 300 jobs. Founded in 2009, the kitchen manufacturer now has over 100 stores nationwide.
“We are always looking to expand our products and this acquisition gives us the opportunity and certainty of being able to plan ahead for the future,” said Stephen Parnaby, Wren Kitchen’s business development director.