Mayor Andy Burnham starts trade mission to Japan after £17 million investment in Middleton

MCRJourno

A Japanese food manufacturer has made a £17 million investment in Greater Manchester.

Mizkan has announced an investment in its Middleton factory as Greater Manchester begins a week-long trade mission to Japan.

The investment will support staff training, facility upgrades and product innovation at the site, where the company produces Sarson’s and Japanese vinegars.

This announcement marks the start of the Greater Manchester delegation’s visit to Tokyo and Osaka to promote trade, culture, and innovation links.

Led by Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham, the delegation also sees Manchester City Council Leader Bev Craig travel to Japan, alongside representatives from the Department for Business and Trade, Manchester Airport, Co-operatives UK, MIDAS, and several universities.

Mayor Andy Burnham said the mission builds on the partnership signed with Osaka in December 2023, and the investment by Mizkan highlights the value of sustained engagement.

"At EXPO 2025 the world’s spotlight will be on Osaka, and our partnership with the city gives us a once-in-a-generation opportunity to put Greater Manchester on the global stage" he said.

Mizkan UK CEO Chikara Tanaka said the company is excited to develop the long-established site and drive innovation.

Japan is a key economic partner for Greater Manchester with 25 Japanese companies already based in the region.

In 2022, Greater Manchester exported £99 million in goods to Japan, with service exports valued at £151 million in 2021.