Kepak, a UK-based food manufacturing company, has announced plans to create new jobs at its Merthyr site. The company has earmarked significant investment in strengthening its partnership with local suppliers and modernising its facilities in recent years. The general manager of Kepak Merthyr, Chris Jones, expressed pride in the company’s contribution to the region’s economy and its role as one of the area’s most significant employers.
During a tour of the facility, the minister for the economy of Wales, Vaughan Gething, commended Kepak’s commitment to providing opportunities for local people, enabling them to develop their skills and forge careers within the food industry.
The company has invested over £30 million in modernising its flagship site since acquiring it in 2018, and this latest recruitment drive is part of their plans to strengthen its 850-strong workforce. Kepak has also recently upgraded its meat packing area, doubling its packaging capacity, as part of a multi-million-pound investment.
Meanwhile, another UK-based company, Classic Mineral Water, has invested £3.4m in developing a third bottling line as part of its expansion plans. The investment is supported by a capital grant from Invest Northern Ireland and has created 16 new jobs.
These companies’ investments underscore the vital role of food manufacturing in the UK’s economy. As the industry continues to develop and grow, the need for skilled workers and modernised facilities will remain a pressing concern.
