Hotpack has purchased land at the Llay industrial estate, with a view to create manufacturing and warehouse jobs at the site over the next three to five years.
The Dubai-based firm’s move was supported by a £1.5M load provided through the Development Bank of Wales. It is the first loan in north Wales to come from the Welsh government’s £100M Wales Flexible Investment Fund.
The company praised the support it received from Welsh government and the Development Bank, which helped it to select Wales as a base ahead of “stiff competition” from Slovakia and other European countries.
‘Exceptional levels of support’
Hotpack Packaging global md, Mr Abdul Jebbar said: “From our very first visit to region, the people of Wales and in particular, Wrexham, offered us exceptional levels of support, both personally and commercially.
“Having successfully completed the site purchase on October 6, we are currently preparing to fit out the warehouse and factory. We look forward to a long and mutually prosperous relationship with the people and businesses of Wales.”
Hotpack expected the new site to bring £50M of inward investment to the region.
Commenting on Hotpack’s move to Wrexham, Welsh economy secretary Ken Skates said: “I am confident that Hotpack’s move here will bring genuine benefits to the local economy and community, and I look forward to visiting when the new facility is up and running.
“This is an example of exactly what can be achieved when businesses are given access to the right advice support.”
Major job growth
North Wales regional manager of Development Bank of Wales Rhodri Evans said the flexible investment fund had to potential for major job growth in the area.
“Working with Welsh government, we have been able to provide the finance to help attract an expanding business to Wales and choose Wrexham as the location for its first UK base,” said Evans.
Hotpack’s decision to create a manufacturing base in Europe follows 22 years of expansion in the Middle East.
It produces a range of plastic, paper and metal packaging products for the food and drink manufacturing and foodservice industries, as well as a disposable tableware.
Meanwhile, Maelor Foods’s new £20M poultry processing plant in Wrexham will be officially opened by ministers from the Welsh Assembly and the Mayor of Wrexham this week (November 23).