2 Sisters Food Group is seeking approval to expand its Sandycroft poultry facility in North Wales, one of the largest sites in the Birmingham-based company’s UK operations.
The factory currently processes, portions and packs poultry for major UK supermarket chains and foodservice customers, including Nando’s and KFC. Its proposed expansion forms part of the company’s wider response to food and beverage industry trends, including changing food and drink consumer trends and continued demand from retail and hospitality customers.
Through an application submitted to Natural Resources Wales (NRW), 2 Sisters has requested permission to process an additional 38,000 birds each day. The company is also seeking approval to run the site seven days a week.
If NRW grants the application, daily throughput would rise from 134,000 chickens to 172,000. The proposal would support the facility’s existing role within the UK poultry supply chain while reflecting broader food manufacturing trends, food distribution trends and developments in food and drink industry innovation.
The application also covers several operational matters. These include retrospective permission for a replacement chiller that has already been installed at the site. The equipment forms part of the facility’s wider food processing technology and cold-chain infrastructure, alongside existing food and drink packaging operations.
NRW has opened a public consultation on the proposals, running from 10 September to 8 October 2026. During this period, members of the public can access the application documents online and submit their views.
The regulator said it would consider all relevant representations received during the consultation when assessing the proposed permit variation. The process will also take account of applicable food and drink regulations, environmental requirements and other considerations associated with food and drink sustainability.
Rhys Ellis, team leader for industry and waste regulation at NRW, said: “We are committed to ensuring that environmental permit applications are assessed thoroughly and transparently.
“This consultation provides an opportunity for local communities and other interested parties to review the application submitted by 2 Sisters Food Group Limited and share any relevant comments.”
He continued: “We will carefully consider all information available to us, including consultation responses, before reaching a decision on the permit variation application.”
The outcome will determine whether Sandycroft can increase production and move to a seven-day operating schedule. It will also provide an opportunity for local stakeholders to comment on the potential implications for the surrounding area, the poultry supply chain and the company’s future food and drink marketing and distribution activities.
