DOG food manufacturers, Wagg Foods, has invested £1 million in its North Yorkshire premises.

The Thirsk-based firm has just completed a £3 million investment programme well ahead of schedule.

The business, which employs 31 workers, only opened its new factory last year but it has already ploughed more money into extending the unit.

The number of sales has increased by 25 per cent over the last year and the high demand for Wagg's products pushed the company into bringing forward its investment plans by 12 months.

Tom Page, sales and marketing director at Wagg Foods said: "As works were completed on our factory in February last year we took the decision to immediately invest a further £1 million to extend the unit. Now we have dedicated facilities and are well-positioned to grow the business yet further."

In the last year seven new jobs have been created at the firm. Mr Page said there were plans to create more new jobs in the next 12 months.

The extension means Wagg can now create up to 50,000 tonnes of pet food a year.

Updated: 11:19 Wednesday, May 19, 2004