OVER 100 new jobs could be created at a Wrexham-based poulty processing company. 

Maelor Foods, based in Cross Lanes has submitted an application to vary a planning condition to increase operations at its facility.  

The company currently employs 250 staff, 86 per cent of whom come from the North Wales area.

If its planning application is approved, the increase in production will provide 125 new jobs and an annual boost of £20m across the local economy, significantly contributing to the Welsh Government’s vision for growth in the Food and Drink industry.

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The existing poultry processing facility at Pickhill Lane in Cross Lanes currently processes one million birds a week and the company said it is recognised as an ultra-modern processing facility operating to the highest welfare and environmental standards.

As demand for home grown poultry soars in the UK since Brexit, Maelor Foods said its increased operation will ensure national retailers are able to source poultry from local farmers and growers and invest in the British food industry.

The plans submitted by the company also include a new proposal which will be funded by the company to further improve the A525/Pickhill Lane junction, to realign its positioning.

This will improve the safety of the junction for all road users.

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Maelor Foods’ application aims to double production at the facility from one million to two million birds per week.

Ricky Mehta, a director at Maelor Foods, said: “Since beginning operations at Pickhill Lane in 2014, we have gone from processing 400,000 to one million birds per week since April 2022.

“Across the UK, similar facilities are not limited on the number of birds they process. As a result, we have now submitted a variation of conditions application to Wrexham Council, asking to raise the restriction to two million birds a week.

“Our existing facility could process a further one million birds without the need for any physical expansion. This growth would create 125 new, well-paid jobs for local people in Wrexham, whilst boosting our contribution to the Wrexham economy by £20m, every year.

He added: “At a time when the price of food and goods is at the front of everyone’s mind, we hope that Wrexham Council recognises the economic and social benefit our proposals can bring and maximise the potential of existing facilities like ours at Pickhill Lane to help meet demand for well-priced, home reared poultry.”

The application will be decided on by Wrexham Council at a later date.