Gary Lewis KTC

Source: KTC

KTC Edibles sales director Gary Lewis

Oils and fats supplier KTC Edibles is aiming to double the capacity at Scottish firm Cardowan Creameries after investing a seven-figure sum.

KTC is investing in Cardowan after acquiring the business this year as part of its ongoing expansion plans. Cardowan is a specialist supplier of margarine, producing more than 20,000 tonnes annually for manufacturers and wholesalers across the UK and internationally.

KTC plans to double the Glasgow site’s capacity and launch an expanded range of sustainable, speciality bakery fats to meet the evolving needs of bakery businesses and food manufacturers.

A family business established in 1930, Cardowan has developed specialist techniques and methods to create bakery products including cake margarine and bread fat emulsion that are vegan and RSPO certified.

The deal took the combined turnover of the KTC Group to more than £550m.

“We acquired Cardowan to grow the business,” said KTC sales director Gary Lewis. “The site has a strong reputation in the food industry, an amazing history in Glasgow, and a highly skilled team. Now, we are investing in its potential by expanding the premises, introducing new capabilities, and adding to the talented workforce.”

Lewis added that KTC would combine “heritage, expertise, and industry leading facilities” to offer bakery businesses and food manufacturers innovative solutions and sustainable ingredients. The plans include building on Cardowan’s existing portfolio by developing new speciality, high-performance and sustainable baking products under the KTC and Cardowan brands.

KTC has appointed Müller and Robert Wiseman Dairies veteran Christopher Holland as the new general manager to oversee day-to-day operations at Cardowan.

KTC Edibles employs more than 410 people across its sites in Wednesbury and Liverpool, supplying more than 250 million litres of cooking oils annually. All palm oil supplied by KTC is certified as RSPO segregated sustainable.