A North Wales cheese packing plant has created more than 200 new jobs thanks to a £6 million investment.
Heler Foods Packing, part of the Joseph Heler group, has significantly boosted production capabilities at its Porthmadog facility.
The facility specialises in cutting, blending, and packing multiple cheese formats.
More than 200 new roles have been created across operations, technical teams, and support functions. The firm said it was passionate about investing in and promoting Welsh talent, ensuring local employees have access to professional growth opportunities and a long-term future with the company.
The plant was rebranded as Heler Foods Packing after its acquisition in August 2022, and turnover is now in excess of £80 million. Its state-of-the-art operations have already earned prestigious accreditations, including BRC Grade A and Red Tractor certification.
The Joseph Heler group was founded in 1957 near Nantwich, Cheshire, and is now led by George Heler, the third generation of the family. The group supplies the UK’s major supermarkets, food manufacturers and also exports to more than 40 markets internationally. Brands include the Joseph Heler brand, its pioneering Eatlean range of high-protein, low-calorie cheese, and The Tex Mex Cheese Co.
Managing Director George Heler said:
“When we embarked on our journey at Minffordd, we knew it was a fantastic site with huge potential. It has provided our customers with increased capability and capacity across all cheese formats. But most importantly, it has enabled us to create sustainable employment in the local area while planning for a greener, more sustainable future. We’re incredibly proud of our investment here and our growing role in Porthmadog.”
The firm has pledged further investment in the Porthmadog site, including plans to install solar panels that are expected to save 112 tonnes of CO2 annually as part of its commitment to sustainability. These efforts aim to reduce the facility’s carbon footprint and support renewable energy initiatives.
