Mizkan Announces Major £17M Investment Boost in Middleton

Posted by on 16 Jun 2025

Mizkan, the leading Japanese vinegar manufacturer based in Middleton, Rochdale, today announced a significant £17 million investment to expand its UK operations.
The investment comes in response to increasing demand for Japanese vinegar products across the UK and European markets.

Mizkan, which also owns the iconic Sarson’s vinegar brand, manufactures both Japanese vinegar products and Sarson’s vinegar at its primary production site in Middleton.

The substantial investment will support multiple initiatives including opportunities for upskilling, facility expansion and refurbishment and the launch of new product development projects.

The investment underscores the company’s commitment to Rochdale as a key hub for its European operations.

Through the investment, Mizkan will create additional facilities for new product development and innovation across a range of premium and Japanese vinegars for retail and food service sectors, to offer customers only the finest products.

The investment coincides with a senior Greater Manchester delegation’s landmark trade mission to Japan.

Following an announcement last year to make Japan a key focus for broadening and deepening diplomatic, business, cultural and civic links in 2025, the delegation from Greater Manchester, including Greater Manchester Mayor, Andy Burnham, is currently visiting Japan for a week-long mission at EXPO 2025 in Osaka.

The strengthening Japan-Greater Manchester relationship will also see Manchester host the prestigious Japan Week 2025 in September with Mizkan as headline sponsors, marking the 50th anniversary of the international cultural festival.

Playing part in the expansion of the facility is Mizkan’s continued partnership with the Centre of Expertise in Advanced Materials and Sustainability (CEAMS) and the University of Manchester for research and development activities. The collaboration through CEAMS operates as a Knowledge Transfer Partnership, providing Mizkan access to specialist expertise in sustainability materials and engineering.

Mizkan’s UK 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.”

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.

“Having visited their site earlier this month and meeting with Mizkan’s president in Tokyo in 2023, I’ve seen first-hand the quality of their operations and their commitment to innovation through partnerships with our universities.

“The investment, announced during our trade mission to Japan, perfectly demonstrates the strength of our growing relationship with Japanese businesses and the opportunities this creates for our people and places.”

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 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.”

Joe Manning, Managing Director at MIDAS, Manchester’s Inward Investment Agency 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 UK 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.”