The Walsall-based, family-owned manufacturer is planning to expand outside its distribution of the UK and Ireland into Europe. As well as producing its own pork scratchings, it repackages them for various customers own-label products.
The company has been in operation over 40 years, founded by Graham Simmons, and originally trading as a butcher’s shop in Willenhall. Pork scratchings were produced as a way to avoid waste from the pig skin and this became the most successful side of the business, with sales set to hit £2M in 2018.
New contracts
G Simmons is now run by Graham’s sons, Shaun and Mark Simmons, who over the last 24 months have secured six new contracts and hired three new members of staff.
“Our business began as a simple butcher’s shop and has grown into a national supplier, thanks to the dedication of our family and the team,” said Shaun Simmons, joint owner, G Simmons & Sons. “The expanded premises will allow us to meet the increased demand and help us achieve our long-term aspiration of becoming an international supplier of pork scratchings.”
Chirag Mistry, relationship director, Santander Business Banking, said: “From our first contact with G Simmons & Sons it was clear this was a business with huge potential. The business is well placed to capitalise on some fabulous opportunities and Santander is excited to be supporting this ambitious family business as it grows and prospers.”