Natures Menu has officially opened the doors of its new multimillion pound factory in Snetterton, Norfolk. Over 200 staff are now employed at state of the art facility.

The company, previously based in Watton, has invested over £12.5million in the 11,000 sqm factory and is currently the largest investment in raw pet food production in Europe.

The factory, which has been two years in the making, has been built to create further capacity for Natures Menu’s existing portfolio as well as the operational capability to deliver new and innovative products with Natures Menu’s new brand, True Instinct, due to launch to consumers in 2018.

Built, designed and kitted out by firms across East Anglia, the development of the factory has made the most of local expertise. Ipswich-based SEH French worked on the construction of the building, Wisbech Electrical managed the electrical set up and Starfrost Refrigeration from Lowestoft provided the refrigeration and freezing technology.

The opening of the factory also follows Natures Menu’s most successful year to date, with a sales increase of almost 20 per cent to £30.5million in the year to March 31 2017.

Natures Menu’s new brand, True Instinct, will also see the company venture into the dry nutrition category for the first time, following a £2.8million investment in freeze-dried technology.  Its aim is to raise the bar in the category, offering a premium product which is unique and innovative above all other products in the market.

Craig Taylor, Managing Director and Owner of Natures Menu, said: “We’re delighted to have opened our doors to the new factory – all of our staff are now successfully relocated into the new offices and our production is well underway on the factory floor. This is an exciting move in our 35-year history and with further investment into new technology and product development we expect to go from strength to strength in the coming years.

“Demand for natural and wholesome food for pets is on the rise and the UK is the largest pet food market in Europe with pet food sales exceeding £2.6billion, with the natural pet food market being the leading growth sector. We estimate that the market is growing by 15 per cent year on year so it really is a vital time for us, to invest and satisfy demand for better quality natural foods for the dogs and cats we love."

Simon Girling, Managing Director from SEH French, one of East Anglia’s leading construction firms, said: “This project represents a truly collaborative effort. Throughout the construction phase we worked closely with Natures Menu, the designers and the supply chain to develop an impressive state-of-the-art facility which could be handed over and commissioned swiftly, ensuring a smooth transition from the old premises and minimising production downtime.”

For more than three decades, Natures Menu has been creating 100% real, wholesome food for pets that's packed full of naturally nourishing ingredients.

Natures Menu raw dog and cat food is made from prime meat cuts and fish, blended vegetables, fruits, brown rice and botanicals in most recipes, and it prides itself on its use of local British suppliers as its raw material source wherever possible.

Developed with their own team of vets and produced to the highest standard, its selection of raw and raw inspired meals spans a wide selection of raw meaty chews to natural treats, cans and pouches, aims to satisfy the nutritional needs of pets and provide them with a healthy diet that's packed full of pure, natural goodness.

For more information on Natures Menu visit www.naturesmenu.co.uk