Simon Hannah, left, and Iain Hill

Filshill CEO Simon Hannah (L) together with Iain Hill (R)

JW Filshill has acquired independent wholesale business Iain Hill for an undisclosed sum.

Founded from a garage 32 years ago, Iain Hill specialises in soft drinks, confectionery, snacks and other impulse products.

Filshill CEO Simon Hannah said the many synergies in terms of culture, geography, and service providers between the two businesses would make the transition seamless.

The company said it was looking to recruit additional local drivers and warehouse operatives due to the acquisition, as it seeks to expand its customer base.

It comes as Filshill plans to relocate to its new 123,034 sq ft distribution centre at Westway Park, near Glasgow Airport, in the autumn.

“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,” said Hannah.

“Iain Hill’s customers will benefit from a more extensive product range, including our fresh, chilled, alcohol and grocery offer. Our business development managers and their teams will work closely with those customers to help them develop their businesses.”

MD Iain Hill 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, this 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 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’s a great opportunity for them to reassess their businesses and plan for growth.”