Samworth Brothers has submitted plans to Charnwood Borough Council to build a 115,000 sq ft food production facility in Mountsorrel.
According to the company, if it wins more contracts, the site could eventually employ 1,000 people.
Samworth Brothers is a fourth generation family company with 17 businesses, employing over 8,000 people.
The group produces an extensive range of premium quality chilled and ambient foods, from sandwiches, pies and pasties to ready meals, cooked meats and desserts. Brands include Ginsters, Melton Foods, Dickinson & Morris, and Walkers.