**Jones Village Bakery Announces £47m Expansion with 150 New Jobs in Wrexham**
In a significant boost to the local economy, Jones Village Bakery has unveiled ambitious plans to invest £47 million in its operations, a move that is set to generate 150 new jobs in Wrexham. The bakery, which is well known for its quality products, is embarking on a major expansion at its headquarters located on the Wrexham Industrial Estate, underlining its commitment to growth and innovation in the food manufacturing sector.
As part of this substantial investment, the company will install a new £20 million bread and rolls production line at its Ash Road site. Once operational, the facility, which spans an impressive 140,000 square feet, will run at full capacity, highlighting Jones Village Bakery’s intention to substantially increase its output to meet growing demand both domestically and internationally.
Further plans have also been set in motion to convert and expand a storage unit located near the site of one of the company’s bakeries that was ravaged by fire in 2019. This aspect of the project alone will attract an additional £27 million of investment, marking one of the most comprehensive development schemes the business has ever undertaken.
The recent developments come after private equity firm Limerston Capital sold its majority shareholding in Village Bakery to French bakery group Menissez. Financial records show that, by the end of September 2023, the bakery employed 740 people and reported revenues close to £100 million, signs of robust performance and continuing upward trajectory.
Speaking about the new chapter for the company, chief executive Simon Thorpe expressed enthusiasm about what lies ahead: “This marks the beginning of another exciting era for Village Bakery. We are rising from adversity with renewed vigour, transforming the old fire-damaged site into a modern, state-of-the-art facility.”
According to projects director Kris Green, the expansion has been prompted by a steeply increasing order book. “Demand for our baked goods continues to grow, not only across the UK but also in Europe and as far as Australia. This extended capacity will allow us to diversify our range and maintain a keen focus on quality,” said Green.
Former managing director and chief executive Robin Jones reflected on the journey since the 2019 fire, which, while devastating, left no injuries. “These two major investments collectively represent 150 new job opportunities, with 30 directly linked to the reconstructed site. Our ability to rebuild and flourish is good news for Wrexham and the wider economy,” he commented.
The growth of Jones Village Bakery has been warmly received by local authorities. Nigel Williams, Wrexham County Borough Council’s lead member for economy, business and tourism, praised the company’s resilience and expansion: “Their recovery since the fire has been remarkable, and the new investments underscore their unwavering commitment to Wrexham. The creation of new jobs is a significant boost for our community.”
The commitment to both innovation and community values remains central to the bakery’s ethos, with leaders and staff alike keen to maintain the strong family-oriented culture that has defined the brand for decades. With these latest investments, Jones Village Bakery is not only securing its future as a leading food producer, but also contributing to the regional economy and setting a positive example for manufacturing businesses across Wales and beyond.