News
Senior appointments in F&B manufacturing operations
Operations manager, David Branter, will be rejoining Beacon Foods, to help drive further the company’s expansion plans.
Established in 1993, Beacon Foods currently employs 130 people; and is a UK leading specialist producer of garlic, ginger and chili purees, roasted and char-grilled vegetables and fruit ranges, relishes, chutneys and fruit compotes, with an estimated 6,000 recipes in its repertoire.
The Brecon-based business has invested £6m in the last three years, which has seen the company double the size of its manufacturing and storage facilities to 53,000 square feet in preparation for growth. This investment has also included new machinery which has helped to increase production volumes, capabilities and packaging options.
Branter, who previously worked for Beacon Foods in 2021, has described it as an ‘exciting time’ and will be working with the company’s chairman, Edward Gough, and the management team to drive the business forwards.
“We have doubled our manufacturing capacity, have a good reputation for quality, safe products and customer service and have already secured more business, so the future looks very promising,” stated Branter.
He added that the company has a stable, core workforce with excellent retention, alongside product variation and experience.
“There is a high level of complexity in the different products that we produce, and we have many years of experience, which makes us stand out from competitors.”
Meanwhile, JS Davidson has expanded its senior management team with the appointment of David Davidson as its new operations director.
The son of managing director, John Davidson, David will be overseeing the day-to-day operations at the temperature-controlled solutions specialist and refining the company’s processes.
David takes on the role following a total rebrand of the company and several high-profile contract wins.
Before joining the family business, David had a 23-year long career in the UK military, serving several tours in Cyprus, Northern Ireland, Iraq and Afghanistan.
Most recently, he worked directly in the Army’s quartermaster department, responsible for handling the supply and maintenance of uniforms, rations and a range of military equipment.
Commenting on his appointment, David Davidson said: “My time in the military will enable me to leverage the valuable skills that I acquired during my service and apply those in helping to enhance JS Davidson’s processes and ultimately drive greater efficiency throughout the business.
“While I’m relatively new to the role, it’s clear already that there are a number of synergies with regards to the standard operating practices at JS Davidson as there were within the various departments in which I was stationed during my time in the military.
“That’s not to say I want to instil a military-style operation to JS Davidson - on the contrary. But in line with my background and experience I will strive to provide a fresh perspective to the business, as well as utilise the intrinsic value of unity to foster a collaborative environment amongst our staff so we can seamlessly move together as one cohesive team.”
You can read our previous senior appointment round-up here, as Nichols appoints a new CFO and Kellanova welcomes Gemma Wisniewksi as its legal director.
