Japanese vinegar manufacturer Mizkan is investing £17m in its Middleton base – and the region’s leaders say there could be more Japanese investment on the way to Greater Manchester as they head on a trade mission to Asia.
Mizkan makes Sarson’s vinegar and Japanese branded products at its Middleton plant. It says demand is growing across the Ƶ and Europe for its Japanese vinegar product and so is expanding the site to give it more capacity and to create new facilities for new product development and innovation.
Its announcement comes as a Greater Manchester delegation including Mayor Andy Burnham begins a trade mission to Japan. The visit to EXPO 2025 in Osaka is part of a push by local leaders to grow links with Japan. In September Manchester will host the 50th annual Japan Week cultural festival, with Mizkan as headline sponsor.
Mizkan’s Ƶ CEO, Chikara Tanaka, said: “Mizkan is excited to be investing in the future of our long established Middleton factory, developing our people and equipping ourselves for innovation and growth, particularly within premium and Japanese vinegars.”
Mizkan, nclude Osu, Haywards and Branstons pickles. will also continue its work with Greater Manchester tech hub the Centre of Expertise in Advanced Materials and Sustainability (CEAMS) and the University of Manchester.
Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, said: “Mizkan’s £17 million investment is excellent news for Greater Manchester and shows the confidence this iconic Japanese brand has in our city-region. The creation of high-skilled jobs and expansion of their Middleton facility demonstrate exactly the type of advanced manufacturing growth we want to see.
“I visited their site earlier this month and met with Mizkan’s president on our previous mission to Japan, in 2023. It was fantastic to hear about their commitment to Greater Manchester and their innovation partnerships with our universities.
“This investment, announced as we embark on our trade mission to Japan, shows the strength of our relationships with Japanese businesses and will create opportunities for people in Greater Manchester.”
Joe Manning, managing director at Manchester’s inward investment agency MIDAS, said: “Mizkan's significant investment in their Middleton operations highlights how Greater Manchester continues to attract major expansion projects from established international companies in the advanced manufacturing sector, particularly in the borough of Rochdale.
“Greater Manchester has been strengthening its relationship with Japan for a number of years, with over 25 Japanese businesses now choosing our city-region as their Ƶ base across multiple sectors.
“We look forward to seeing these plans come to life, demonstrating why Greater Manchester is the ideal location for international businesses looking to grow their European operations.”
Cllr Neil Emmott, leader of Rochdale Borough Council, said: “This landmark investment by Mizkan is a fantastic vote of confidence in Middleton and a clear sign of the borough’s growing reputation as a hub for advanced manufacturing and international business.
“Mizkan’s expansion will bring real benefits to our local economy including high-quality jobs and innovation partnerships. We’re delighted to support their continued growth in Middleton as we build a future rooted in global co-operation and collaboration, opportunity and skills.”
