Heinz tomato ketchup is to be made again in Britain after its owners announced big investments.
The American owned company Kraft Heinz is looking to pump £140 million into its Kitt Green plant near Wigan.
It is one of the company’s largest overseas ventures in decades.
The plant will be modernised over the next four years with new machinery.
It will mark a return of making tomato ketchup, mayonnaise and salad cream.
More than 50 new full-time jobs will be created.
Luis Spinardi, Kitt Green site director, said:
“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.
“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 the Unite union.
National official Joe Clarke said:
“After Brexit and near the end of a global pandemic, this is tremendous news for the hardworking members at Kraft Heinz.
“It reflects the exceptional co-operative 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.”
