A Linwood business has been snapped up by a wholesale giant ahead of their move into the area.
Iain Hill Ltd, a wholesale operation based on Napier Street that specialises in soft drinks, confectionery, snacks and other impulse products, has been acquired for an undisclosed sum by JW Filshill, one of Scotland’s oldest food and drink wholesalers, ahead of its move to Renfrewshire in January next year.
Family-owned Filshill, based at Hillington Park, Glasgow are relocating to a brand new 123,034sqft distribution centre at Westway Park near Glasgow Airport.
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All 15 members of staff at Iain Hill Ltd are now JW Filshill employees.
Simon Hannah, chief executive officer at JW Filshill, said: “Iain Hill Ltd is a perfect fit for Filshill given the many synergies between the two businesses – both independent family-owned companies with the same values and people-focused culture, and a similar geography given their proximity to each other in Renfrewshire. Both Filshill and Iain Hill use the same IT and app suppliers which will make the transition easier.
“I have known Iain Hill and his wife, Aileen, for many years and they are excellent operators with a strong and loyal customer base and an exceptional team of employees who we are looking forward to welcoming to the Filshill family and who will benefit from career progression opportunities in the future.”
Iain Hill, managing director of Iain Hill Ltd, launched the business from his parents’ garage 32 years ago. He said: “There’s a great synergy between the two businesses and the most important thing for me is that my staff will be moving to a like-minded independent, family-owned business that takes a people first approach.
“After 32 years in the industry, is the right time for me to exit the business and give my staff, most of whom have been with me many years, the opportunity to work in a purpose-built, state-of-the-art distribution hub that will be just three miles from Linwood.
“For my customers, the number of food and drink lines available to them increases from 1,200 to 6,500 overnight so it is a great opportunity for them to reassess their businesses and plan for growth.”
Ahead of the move, JW Filshill are looking to recruit new staff from the area and they expect more jobs to be created as a result of their move.
Simon said: “We are now looking to recruit drivers and warehouse operatives to service our expanded business and invite anyone interested in joining the Filshill family to contact us at jobs@filshill.co.uk.”
Filshill was founded in Glasgow in 1875 and supplies KeyStore retail outlets across Scotland and the north of England, national accounts including the Scottish Prison Service.
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