A well-established factory in the heart of Great Yarmouth will be leaving the town for a larger site in 2026. 

Ongoing plans for expansion of Snack Creations, formerly Pasta Foods, on Pasteur Road, has led the managing director to relocate to a new site of operations in Norwich, which "has the size and scale necessary for the future growth of the business". 

All staff are said to have been informed of the planned move from the site.

Great Yarmouth Mercury: Snack Creations' managing director, Gordon Chetwood, pictured at the Great Yarmouth factory in 2019. Picture - Newsquest ArchivesSnack Creations' managing director, Gordon Chetwood, pictured at the Great Yarmouth factory in 2019. Picture - Newsquest Archives (Image: Newsquest Archives)Gordon Chetwood said: "Snack Creations continues to grow and acquired a new site on the outskirts of Norwich on the Broadland Business Park in September 2022.

"The current operations at Great Yarmouth will transfer to the new facility towards the end of 2025.

"Unfortunately, the Great Yarmouth site does not have the necessary size and infrastructure to support the growth plans for the business.

"It is probable therefore that the Great Yarmouth site will cease operations in 2026."

Great Yarmouth Mercury: Snack Creations, formerly Pasta Foods, on Pasteur Road. Picture - James WeedsSnack Creations, formerly Pasta Foods, on Pasteur Road. Picture - James Weeds (Image: James Weeds)Mr Chetwood added that all staff are being regularly informed of the ongoing plans for relocations "to ensure a smooth transition to the new site in the coming years".

"We are expecting all staff that want to transfer to the new site will be able to," he added.

The Great Yarmouth factory, originally operating as Pasta Foods, opened at the bespoke Pasteur Road site in 1972.

Great Yarmouth Mercury: The construction of the Pasta Foods factory (by the former Southtown Railway Station) in 1971. Picture - Newsquest ArchivesThe construction of the Pasta Foods factory (by the former Southtown Railway Station) in 1971. Picture - Newsquest Archives (Image: Newsquest Archives)Over the following years, Pasta Foods introduced snack pellet products, including wheat crunchies, before a family management buyout separated the company from its former owner, Rank Hovis McDougall, in 2003.

The company expanded its snacks division, developing pulse-based snack pellets in 2003 with the creation of lentil curls.

In 2015, Pasta Foods opened a new pasta factory in Forest Way, Norwich.

Great Yarmouth Mercury: The Pasta Foods factory in Norwich. Picture: Chris BettsThe Pasta Foods factory in Norwich. Picture: Chris Betts (Image: Chris Betts)The snack division of Pasta Foods separated in 2019, and the Great Yarmouth site became home to Snack Creations.

The Great Yarmouth factory is expected to close in 2026.

Great Yarmouth Mercury: The entrance to Snack Creations, formerly Pasta Foods, on Pasteur Road. Picture - James WeedsThe entrance to Snack Creations, formerly Pasta Foods, on Pasteur Road. Picture - James Weeds (Image: James Weeds)