Reids of Caithness has made a £1m investment in a new production site, with plans to more than double staff numbers.

The third-generation business, located in the Scottish Highlands, is set to move part of its ever-expanding production into a unit at Ormlie Industrial Estate in Thurso at the end of September.

The company currently hires 40 members of staff at its Riverside Place headquarters, and it is set to employ a further 80 personnel at the new location. It will also be investing in new equipment to ensure the factory runs efficiently.

Gary Reid, co-owner of Reids of Caithness, told British Baker: “In order for the snail to grow bigger, it has to shed its shell. We needed to look at an alternative location and found this site last year. We were so impressed with the premises, we could already see it being a bakery.

“It has the capacity for 120 people and it already has good segregation for aspects such as a raw meat line facility. With new equipment and lines coming into the business, we’re looking to produce more efficiently and maximise on the space that we have got.”

In addition, Reids of Caithness has started the production of its first line of freshly made pizza products at its existing premises. Using a stone-decked oven as part of a unit on the side of the existing bakery, the firm has created an Italian-inspired range freshly made and baked. It will be initially sold in Reids of Caithness’ retail units.

The business is continuing to reach overseas markets, most recently designing a new tin biscuit product for China, in shortbread and sweet biscuit varieties. It is due to be launched in August this year. 

“Exports have taken off for us and we are doing well in China,” said Reid. “We’ve had lots of interest for many places, as we are close to doing a deal with Portugal, and the Japanese market is looking promising.”