News: Mexican multinational invests in UK production creating 100 jobs in Rotherham

A viral TikTok snack is being made in Rotherham with a multinational firm expanding into an empty warehouse alongside its existing facility in the north of the borough.

A local recruitment firm says that the move is creating over 100 jobs across various roles.

Takis, the cult snacking brand known for its extreme heat and intense flavours, has had its rolled tortilla chips inspired by taquitos available in the UK for four years and work started in 2024 on a new production line at Swinton Meadows in Rotherham.

The industrial estate is the location of the New York Bakery Co production facility, one of the largest bagel production factories in the world. The bagel factory's owners, Mexico's Grupo Bimbo, itself recognised as the largest baking company in the world, took over the warehouse next door that was vacated when motorhome manufacturer, Autocruise, ceased production here.

The use of the 59,000 sq ft building has been under wraps but now a planning application shows that it is for the production of Takis snacks.

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Plans, drawn up by consultants at [PS]K Design, state: "The Proposed Development is a fundamental part of Grupo Bimbo business strategy in the UK.

"In recent history the site has been owned by Grupo Bimbo with the aim of creating a new production line for their "Takis" crisps in the UK.

"The proposed works are necessary to adapt the existing building and bring it back into use. The design and appearance of the proposed development is appropriate to the industrial setting and will not be prominent in views from outside of the site. The proposed development will create new jobs both while the proposed works are carried out and afterwards."

The plans include a new goods in/out dock, new external plant and exhaust flues, an extension to east side of the main building to store ready to use pallets and an extension to the south side of the main building to house new plant. The installation of two oil tanks, including the construction of a bund wall to contain any spillage, is also in the plans.

The application also shows that work started in September 2024 and was completed in March 2025. The new production line involves taking the crisp from flour to cooking, to seasoning, to boxing.

Rotherham-based Elevation Recruitment is supporting the project and its recent job advert for a Maintenance Engineer says: "Elevation Recruitment Group is thrilled to partner with Grupo Bimbo, the world’s largest baking company, in launching their brand-new, state-of-the-art Takis factory in Rotherham.

"Grupo Bimbo operates in over 33 countries and is bringing the production of their globally renowned snack, Takis, to the UK for the first time! This new facility represents a significant investment in the UK market and will create over 100 jobs across various roles.

"The launch of this facility in Rotherham is an exciting milestone, making Takis more accessible to UK consumers."

Takis was launched by Barcel Snacks, another Grupo Bimbo company. Takis has earned a cult following among snack enthusiasts around the globe. Originating in Mexico, these fiery snacks include flavours such as Fuego, Dragon Sweet Chilli and Blue Heat. Products are available in covenience stores and the likes of Aldi, Morrisons and Co-op.

Takis website

Images: Takis / Facebook / Google Maps

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News: Bagel buyout to conclude this week

The £1 billion deal struck by Mexico's Grupo Bimbo to take over Canada Bread, the company owned by Maple Leaf Foods, is set to close this Friday. The deal includes the largest bagel production facility in Europe, based at Swinton in Rotherham.

Announced in February, the deal has been approved by shareholders and has now received the necessary clearance under governance and competition laws - the Competition Act (Canada), the Investment Canada Act and the Hart-Scott-Rodino Act (USA).

The transaction is expected to close on May 23 when Maple Leaf will realise aggregate cash proceeds of $1.65 billion or $72.00 per share for its 90% ownership of the outstanding shares of Canada Bread, plus an interest dividend of $0.437 per share if the transaction closes as expected on May 23.

Grupo Bimbo said that the deal would advance its global growth strategy allowing it to extend the company's presence in Canada and United Kingdom, as well as to expand their distribution networks in the United States. Maple Leaf is expected to shift focus to its position as Canada's leading consumer packaged meats company.

To fund the transaction, Grupo Bimbo will utilise cash holdings and financing available under existing long-term committed credit facilities.

Michael H. McCain, president and CEO of Maple Leaf, said: "We are very pleased that his transaction has satisfied all regulatory reviews. The sale to Grupo Bimbo will provide an exciting future for our bakery business and enable Maple Leaf to focus on accelerating profitable growth in the consumer packaged meats business, supported by leading brands, market shares and significant financial strength."

Canada Bread dates back to 1911, when it was formed in a merger of five different companies. In 1991 the merger of Maple Leaf Mills Limited and Canada Packers Inc. created the company now known as Maple Leaf Foods Inc., Canada's largest food processor. Four years later McCain Capital Corporation and the Ontario Teachers Pension Plan Board acquired controlling interest in the company from Hillsdown Holdings plc and remain controlling shareholders today.

Established in 1945, Grupo Bimbo is the largest Mexican-owned baking company. In 2011 it became the largest baking company in the world when it acquired Sara Lee North American Fresh Bakery, Fargo in Argentina and Bimbo Iberia in Spain and Portugal. It employs 126,000 staff across 19 countries in America, Asia and Europe.

Based at Swinton, the bagel production facility employs around 300 staff and produces 6-7 million bagels per week for several companies including the New York Bakery Co. The Canadian parent company announced an £11.5m investment in a new production line in 2013 in response to the unprecedented success of the 2013 New York Bakery Co. bagel re-launch - which saw sales increase by 30%.

New York Bakery Co. website

Images: New York Bakery Co. / Facebook

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News: Grupo Bimbo to take over Rotherham bagel facility in Canada Bread deal

A deal has been struck for Mexico's Grupo Bimbo to take over Canada Bread, the company owned by Maple Leaf Foods, which operates the largest bagel production facility in Europe, based at Swinton in Rotherham.

Following an "exhaustive process" undertaken by Maple Leaf to seek to maximize the value of Canada Bread, Maple Leaf expects CAN$1.830 billion (£1 billion) for its 90% stake in a deal which has been approved by the boards of directors of Canada Bread and Grupo Bimbo, but will require the approval of the shareholders.

Grupo Bimbo said that the deal would advance its global growth strategy allowing it to extend the company's presence in Canada and United Kingdom, as well as to expand their distribution networks in the United States. Maple Leaf is expected to shift focus to its position as Canada's leading consumer packaged meats company.

Daniel Servitje, chairman and CEO of Grupo Bimbo, said: "We are very pleased to announce the acquisition of Canada Bread for Grupo Bimbo, given it's a company with a strong commercial presence, recognised by customers and consumers, thanks to the high quality of its range of bakery products, its values ​​and commitment, which go hand in hand with our group."

Michael H. McCain, president and CEO of Maple Leaf, added: "Grupo Bimbo is an excellent company with strong values and a global leadership position, with little overlap in our geographic markets. This makes for a highly complementary fit with our bakery operations and is expected to provide exciting opportunities for Canada Bread employees, customers and other business partners."

Based at Swinton, the bagel production facility produces 6-7 million bagels per week for several companies including the New York Bakery Co. The Canadian parent company announced an £11.5m investment in a new production line in 2013 in response to the unprecedented success of the 2013 New York Bakery Co. bagel re-launch - which saw sales increase by 30%.

The growing Rotherham facility has an estimated production capacity of 70,000 bagels every hour and the company has expanded the Swinton Meadows site a number of times, the previous investment was in 2008 with £4m to expand its frozen bagel capacity.

A £11.5m infrastructural investment and £3m communications spend from owners, Maple Leaf Bakery UK Ltd was announced in 2011.

Canada Bread dates back to 1911, when it was formed in a merger of five different companies. In 1991 the merger of Maple Leaf Mills Limited and Canada Packers Inc. created the company now known as Maple Leaf Foods Inc., Canada's largest food processor. Four years later McCain Capital Corporation and the Ontario Teachers Pension Plan Board acquired controlling interest in the company from Hillsdown Holdings plc and remain controlling shareholders today.

Established in 1945, Grupo Bimbo is the largest Mexican-owned baking company. In 2011 it became the largest baking company in the world when it acquired Sara Lee North American Fresh Bakery, Fargo in Argentina and Bimbo Iberia in Spain and Portugal. The 300 staff in Rotherham are set to join 126,000 that Grupo Bimbo employs across 19 countries in America, Asia and Europe.

The transaction is expected to close during the second quarter of 2014, once regulatory approvals are obtained. To fund the transaction, Grupo Bimbo will utilize cash holdings and financing available under existing long-term committed credit facilities.

New York Bakery Co. website

Images: Grupo Bimbo / New York Bakery Co. / Facebook

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News: Maple Leaf to expand Rotherham bagel facility

Already the largest manufacturer of bagels in Europe, Maple Leaf Foods has announced that it will invest £11.5m in a new production line to extend the existing Rotherham factory in the latter part of 2013.

Based at Swinton, the facility produces 6-7 million bagels per week for several companies including the New York Bakery Co. The Canadian parent company made the announcement in response to the unprecedented success of the 2013 New York Bakery Co. bagel re-launch - which has seen sales increase by 30 per cent in Q1 with expected strong growth still to come.

Bagels are one of the top five value contributors to the Morning Goods category this year, with the New York Bakery Co. brand adding over £3m in incremental sales to the category since re-launch in January 2013.

The significant capital investment of £11.5m in a new production line will extend the existing Rotherham factory in the latter part of 2013, increasing capacity at this state of the art bakery and securing jobs in the area for the long term. When complete this will be the largest bagel factory in Europe and one of the largest globally.

This year, New York Bakery Co. has sold over 200 million bagels - including the new premium range of Red Onion & Chive, Fruit & Oat and the limited edition Blueberry variety, along with classic favourites Cinnamon & Raisin and Plain. The company began pre-slicing plain bagels earlier this year.

Cliff Irwin, managing director at Maple Leaf Bakery UK (owners of the New York Bakery Co), said: "Our strong performance is the product of the market's growing demand for bagels, the quality and authenticity of our product and our carefully planned relaunch earlier this year. We are excited about increasing our sales in the UK market and are confident in our expansion plans.

"The significant backing by Maple Leaf Foods will enable us to move forward with ambitious expansion plans in the next five to ten years. As a result we can now increase our capacity at our Rotherham site to meet growing consumer demand and support our growth aspirations as the market leader in speciality bagels."

Maple Leaf did employ approximately 1,200 people in the United Kingdom but closed its Walsall facility last year and recently sold its London based Italian breads division. The growing Rotherham facility has an estimated production capacity of 70,000 bagels every hour and the company has expanded the Swinton Meadows site three times, the previous investment was in 2008 with £4m to expand its frozen bagel capacity.

A £11.5m infrastructural investment and £3m communications spend from owners, Maple Leaf Bakery UK Ltd was announced in 2011.

New York Bakery Co. website

Images: New York Bakery Co.

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News: Back to the floor at Maple Leaf Bakery

Apprentices have become an integral part of the engineering team at Maple Leaf Bakery in Rotherham, as one college manager found out when she went back to the floor.

Louisa Wall, deputy head of engineering at Rotherham College of Arts and Technology (RCAT), visited one of her students at his place of work at the huge bakery in Swinton.

She said: "It is important to see what our students are doing in the work place. That way we know what we can do to support them and further their skills more while they are at college.

"Having close links to industry is paramount for us – how else can we ensure the skills we are teaching are the right skills for the work force of the future?"

Karl Jackson, 21, started his Advanced Apprenticeship in Engineering and Manufacturing in 2011. He trains in the engineering department at the Maple Leaf Bakery and has become a vital part of the team that keeps the 24 hour production line moving.

He said: "I'm really enjoying it. I have learnt so much and the skills I am going to take forwards, obviously, for the rest of my life."

The bakery is the largest manufacturer of bagels in Europe, producing 6-7 million bagels per week for several companies including the New York Bakery Co. The Canadian-owned firm announced major UK expansion plans in 2011 including an £11.5m investment in the Rotherham facility.

Paul Groves, engineering controller at Maple Leaf Bakery, said: "It's about time control – you have to answer for every minute. The engineering team I have here are the best I have worked with."

The company have decided to take on apprentices for the next four years to help them further develop the skills they need in their engineers. To ensure no time is lost during production, the company needs a team of specialist engineers to make sure the machines are in working order.

Maple Leaf Bakery website
RCAT website

Images: RCAT

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News: Maple Leaf secures dough for Rotherham bakery expansion

Rotherham is set to be home to the largest bagel factory in Europe and one of the largest in the world after the New York Bakery Co announced major UK expansion plans.

The UK's leading bagel brand has been backed by an £11.5m infrastructural investment and £3m communications spend from owners, Maple Leaf Bakery UK Ltd.

The significant capital investment will extend the existing Swinton factory, increasing capacity at the state of the art bakery and securing jobs in Rotherham for the long term. When complete it will be the largest bagel factory in Europe and one of the largest globally.


Parent company, Maple Leaf Foods in Canada, supported the investment in response to the unprecedented success of the 2011 New York Bakery Co bagel relaunch - which has seen sales increase by 66 per cent with expected strong growth still to come.

Research by market experts, Nielsen, showed that the relaunch in January has added over £8m in incremental sales to the "Morning Goods" category and that the company has been a driving force behind the rise in the bagel category that is now worth £41.7m, up by 34 per cent since last year.

This year, New York Bakery Co has sold over 110 million bagels and expects to lead the continued growth in the bagel market as a whole, with ambitious targets to double UK household penetration in the next five years.

Simon Foster, VP Marketing of Maple Leaf Bakery UK, said: "Our strong performance is the product of the market's growing demand for bagels, the quality and authenticity of our product and our carefully planned re-launch earlier this year. We are excited about increasing our sales in the UK market and are confident in our expansion plans.

"The significant backing by Maple Leaf Foods will enable us to move forward with our ambitious expansion plans in the next five to ten years. As a result we can now increase our capacity at our Rotherham site to meet growing consumer demand and support our growth aspirations as the market leader in specialty bagels."

Maple Leaf employs approximately 1,200 people in the United Kingdom and their growing Rotherham facility has an estimated production capacity of 70,000 bagels every hour. The company has expanded the Swinton Meadows site three times, the previous investment was in 2008 with £4m to expand its frozen bagel capacity.

New York Bakery Co website

Images: newyorkbakery.co.uk

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