A FAMILY-OWNED pet food maker hopes to create new jobs in a £7m expansion.

Inspired Pet Nutrition (IPN) has opened a 100,000sq ft distribution hub at Dalton Airfield, near Thirsk, North Yorkshire.

Bosses say the centre, which also includes offices, can house at least 11,500 pallets, allowing it to process orders faster.

They added the site, close to IPN’s production mills, gives the business scope to recruit up to 50 workers over the next five years to add to its 130-strong workforce.

The company, formerly known as Wagg Foods, is the UK’s largest independent dry pet food maker, supplying meals and treats for dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs and hamsters under the Wagg and Harringtons brands.

The firm, which began in 1923 as Page Feeds to supply the farming community, says the £7m warehouse follows a £20m investment into its Dalton mills, with a further £3m earmarked for additional production improvement.

Richard Page, managing director, said the new distribution base will give IPN a stronger platform to grow, which will include new treats this summer.

He said: “Our aim remains to produce the highest-quality pet foods at a competitive price through constant improvement in manufacturing and innovation.

“The investment in the distribution centre will further increase efficiency as the new site significantly boosts our stock holding capacity so longer production runs are possible.”

Mr Page added the new hub will also house 30 office workers from IPN’s existing mills, freeing up space in the plants for production staff to create meeting rooms and an improved canteen area.

The distribution base was opened by Dave Potts, chief executive at supermarket Morrisons, which alongside market rivals, stocks IPN’s products on its shelves.

Cutting a ribbon to mark the occasion, Mr Potts congratulated the company and its suppliers on their successes, saying IPN’s brands are an important part of its pet food range.

IPN makes the dog food Wagg, manufactures Harringtons, which it markets as an affordable premium brand, and is gaining an increased foothold in the cat market with its Purr-branded biscuits.

The business’ full range is sold across 16 countries, including France, Germany and Spain.