Kellanova, formerly Kellogg Company, has unveiled plans to invest £75 million in its Wrexham cereal factory, creating “at least” 130 jobs.
The company said it was its “largest single investment in British cereal production in over 30 years.”
After opening in 1978, the facility became the largest Special K plant in the world, while also producing other brands such as All Bran, Bran Flakes and Fruit ‘n Fibre.
Kellanova also stated that production of other Kellogg’s cereal brands made in the UK – including Corn Flakes and Crunchy Nut – will transition to Wrexham as the company “winds down production” at its Trafford Park factory, which is due to close in late 2026.
The company said the Wrexham plant’s current annual cereal production will “more than double”, establishing it as the largest cereal manufacturing site in Europe, producing around 1.5 million boxes of cereal brands every day.
Two new production lines will reportedly “enhance the sustainability of cereal manufacturing” by enabling use of artificial intelligence and machine learning technology to lower energy consumption during the production process.
Kellanova said the investment would lead to the creation of at least 130 jobs in Wrexham and “support career development” for the 350 existing colleagues based there as well as creating continued employment opportunities for colleagues in its Manchester plant. It said it will fund “significant upgrades” to the site’s training facilities as part of the company’s drive to provide its employees with “opportunities to develop and advance their careers”.
Kellanova’s UK managing director, Chris Silcock, said: “This investment is a major commitment to cereal production in the UK. By bringing together the manufacturing of all our major breakfast cereals at one site in Wrexham, we can make significant leaps forward in the efficiency, quality and sustainability of our operation. It sets us up for future success and opens up new possibilities for our iconic brands to continue delighting our customers and consumers.
“This is also a huge investment in our people. We’re very pleased that we will be creating at least 130 new roles in Wrexham, as well as improving the existing facilities for our colleagues. The experience and capabilities of our skilled team at Wrexham will be crucial to the success of this transformation, which is a significant milestone in the evolution of our business.
“We look forward to making Wrexham the home of our cereal production for many generations to come.”
Government welcomes the investment
Business and Trade Secretary, Jonathan Reynolds, said: “Kellanova’s cereals are much loved by many households across the UK, so it’s great news that this investment will not only ensure their continued production in North Wales, but also create 130 local skilled jobs.
“Increasing investment is a mission at the heart of this Government, and following the Shotton Mill announcement last week, this is a further stamp of approval for the Welsh economy and our plans to make Britain the investment destination of choice.”
Secretary of State for Wales, Jo Stevens, said: “Kellanova’s plans are another huge vote of confidence in the economy of north east Wales.
“This Government’s key mission is to grow our economy. Making the UK the destination of choice for investors is a crucial part of that plan. And this news is the latest demonstration of the huge part Wales has to play in achieving our growth mission.”
Wrexham’s Member of the Senedd, Lesley Griffiths, said: “This major announcement by Kellanova is fantastic news for Wrexham. For decades, the Kellogg’s factory on the Wrexham Industrial Estate has been a cornerstone of our city and the wider region’s economy.
“In my 17 years as the MS for Wrexham, Kellanova has always been a key employer and this substantial investment will not only safeguard the future of the site, it will also create more highly-skilled jobs and exciting opportunities for people in the community.”
