Yorkshire-based pet food manufacturing firm Inspired Pet Nutrition and its subsidiary, The Real Petfood Company, has acquired a 130,000 sq ft factory in Denbighshire, Wales as part of major expansion plans.
The Real Petfood Company, which makes premium pet snacks and treats under its Wagg and Harringtons brands, and also for third parties, is hoping to create 20 jobs within the next two years, with its workforce set to expand to 100 employees within five years.
Based at Dalton Airfield near Topcliffe, North Yorkshire, Inspired Pet Nutrition is investing £6 million in the acquisition, refurbishment and re-equipment of the factory premises ahead of the 30 current staff being relocated from the existing facility in Flint.
Gordons commercial property solicitor, James Kimberley, advised Inspired Pet Nutrition on the acquisition of the site, which was previously owned by the Welsh Government and historically the former Hotpoint factory.
Previously known as Wagg Foods, Inspired Pet Nutrition is the largest independent producer of dry pet food in the UK with a turnover of £70 million. The manufacturer makes more than 115,000 tonnes of pet food each year with products sold in a number of countries.
Finance director at Inspired Pet Nutrition, Anthony Stones, commented: “The Real Petfood Company was established in North Wales 17 years ago so I am very pleased that we are able to continue growing and evolving the business in the same location. This is a significant investment which will boost our production capacity by some 600%.
Mr Kimberley added: This deal is significant not only due to its size but also because of the impact it has on The Real Petfood Companyâs ambitious growth plans. The acquisition and fit out of the new factory will allow the business to increase its output and, crucially, will provide much needed employment opportunities for people within the area. We are very proud to be supporting our client in this new phase of its rapid expansion.
