Japan’s largest manufacturer of savoury snacks, Calbee, is making its first investment in Europe and opening a new facility on Deeside Enterprise Zone that will create more than 100 jobs.

The news was announced in Japan last week by Economy Minister Edwina Hart and Akira Matsumoto, Chairman and CEO of Calbee, following a meeting to finalise the deal.

The significant investment, which is backed by business finance from the Welsh Government, is a direct result of the Minister meeting Calbee senior executives last year when she led a trade mission to Japan.

Long-term commitment

Economy Minister Edwina Hart said: “I am delighted to announce this important new inward investment for Wales. Calbee is the latest in a long line of highly prestigious Japanese companies that have invested in Wales and I welcome their decision to establish their first European plant in Wales.

“It is also the latest international inward investment project for Deeside Enterprise Zone which proved to be the most attractive location as a number of sites in Europe and the UK were under consideration.

“We have a very successful food manufacturing sector in Wales and this investment will support our strategy to grow and expand the industry, creating more jobs and prosperity and I wish Calbee every success for the future.”

Mr. Akira Matsumoto said:“We are very excited to establish our first European factory  in Wales. This is a significant moment in establishing the Calbee brand in the UK and we are making a long term commitment to grow our business from this important base in Deeside.

“I appreciate both the Welsh Government and everyone’s dedication and support for its  successful establishment.”

The new site will incorporate manufacturing, distribution and some R&D activities with the investment set to create hundreds of jobs over five years. Production is set to commence in the first half of 2015.