Border Biscuits boosts warehouse for future expansion
The manufacturer is building a new 1,620m2 warehouse at its 4,750m2 site near Lanark, with funding from the Clydesdale Bank.
Border Biscuits said in a statement: “The firm’s new warehouse also creates an option for future expansion. While exports currently account for less than a tenth of sales, Border Biscuits is seeking to develop its overseas markets.”
A spokeswoman told FoodManufacture.co.uk the new warehouse would boost storage capacity and improve security while minimising costs by centralising all the firm’s warehousing needs.
Automated production line
Currently, some of the firm’s stock is stored off site, following the introduction of an automated production line two years ago, which had significantly increased volumes.
The privately-owned manufacturer was said to have secured “substantial facilities” from Clydesdale Bank to help it boost growth but how much was not made public.
Caryl Hamilton, financial director of Border Biscuits, said the Clydesdale Bank funding will transform the business.
“After experiencing strong growth over the past few years, adding space to our Lanarkshire facility is crucial,” said Hamilton. “The extra space also gives us the option to expand in the future, without having to worry about where we put any new kit.
“One of the other great bonuses of working with Clydesdale Bank is its support for the communities in which it is based. As one of the biggest employers in Lanark, we take our responsibility to the local community seriously and we’re delighted that Clydesdale Bank takes the same approach.”
Border Biscuits was founded in 1984 with just four lines. It now produces more than 30 varieties and supplies all the major UK supermarkets – Tesco, Asda, Morrisons and Sainsbury, together with foodservice sector and wholesale customers.
Production of the firm’s best-selling line, Dark Chocolate Gingers, totalled 24M biscuits last year; up by 7M on the year before.
‘Best known premium food brands’
Stuart McCallum, head of food and drink for Clydesdale Bank in Scotland, said: “Since Border Biscuits was founded almost 30 years ago, it has grown to become one of Scotland’s best known premium food brands, with fans all over the world. We welcome the opportunity to help the firm to develop and expand.”
The firm employs 150 staff and was said to be on track to record a turnover of more than £12M this year.
Read why Border Biscuits bosses told FoodManufacture.co.uk earlier this year that the introduction of the first automated line was a “huge culture shock” here.
Meanwhile, last year Border Biscuits won the Cakes and biscuits manufacturing company of the year. In the Food Manufacturing Excellence Awards.
Read this year’s short-list for the food and drink manufacturing Oscars, published this week, here.
