A £10m investment in a poultry processing plant in Wales has been given the green light, paving the way for the creation of 150 jobs in Wrexham.

Plans by Maelor Poultry, which is part of Midlands-based Salisbury Poultry, were approved by the Wrexham County Borough Council planning committee yesterday.

The project has won the backing of the Welsh Government, which is looking to work with new food business investors in the country under the recently launched Food and Drink Action Plan.

Salisbury has committed to work with the government and other local agencies to recruit from disadvantaged parts of the area, as well as providing opportunities to former employees of First Milk, which previously occupied the site.

Commercial director Stephen Hammond said Salisbury was “very much” looking forward to becoming part of the business community of North Wales. “We are delighted to have the support and approval of the council to go ahead with this major project that will bring a £10m investment and 150-plus jobs to Wrexham and the surrounding area, as well as more jobs in the supply chain that will be needed to support our venture,” he added.

About 50 skilled and administrative staff, along with more than 100 production workers, will be employed at the site, which is expected to open within 12 to 18 months following enhancements and the installation of equipment.

Salisbury Poultry, formed in in 1989, has revenues of £70m and already employs more than 400 full-time staff at its Bilston base, near Wolverhampton.

Topics