The investment will triple the site’s wet dog food tray capacity to more than 75m units a year.
A second processing and filling line which is aimed to boost efficiency is set to open later this year. The new line will be three times faster than the existing line, which already runs 24/7. It will be focused on the wet tray production for Harringtons, whilst also seeing the company move to create its own label products also.
The Harringtons wet tray range which features human grade freshly prepared meat and vegetables.
The move towards the humanisation of pet food is an expanding part of the market.
Increased product demand
Inspired Pet Nutrition said increased product demand played an important role in the expansion of its operations. With the new investment, overall wet dog food capacity will be increasing by 75% compared to last year, with further increases over the next 18 months as the investment project is complete.
Dominic Whelan, site operations manager at IPN Kinmel, said: “The wet tray market in both the branded and own label sectors looks set for even further growth, and this significant investment will ensure we can meet demand. Two years ago, IPN Kinmel produced about 4,000 tonnes of finished goods, this has now risen to an astonishing 10,500 tonnes.”
Exciting development
James Lawson, ceo at IPN, added: “This is an exciting development for the business as we will significantly increase production at Kinmel and it will help us on our journey to become the UK’s most sustainable pet food manufacturer. The investment will also play a key role in making Harringtons a £100 million Masterbrand across multiple categories and species.”
The new filling equipment will also enable the company to offer a choice of wet tray formats, including fully recyclable aluminium trays.
