Shetland social enterprise grows to meet green demand
A social enterprise in Lerwick is putting the finishing touches on a major expansion project.
A Moray bakery firm is investing in infrastructure and equipment in a move that will improve productivity, increase turnover, cut carbon and create jobs.
Forres based Maclean’s Highland Bakery has secured up to £54,500 investment from Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) towards total project costs of £218,000.
The work includes purchasing and installing solar panels and building a new production corridor.
Maclean’s is an award-winning family run business that was established in 1978 and now employs more than a hundred people.
The company has four of its own retail shops but most of its income is from wholesale markets. Its main UK customers include Tesco, Morrison, and Sainsburys. The business also exports to USA, Denmark, Canada, and Ireland.
This latest investment by Maclean’s will help improve production processes, resulting in a forecast increase in annual turnover of £1.5m within three years. It will create up to five new jobs and will also contribute to the company’s net zero ambitions.
Confirming the HIE funding, Steve Richards senior development manager with the agency’s Moray team said:
“We’ve worked with Maclean’s Highland Bakery for several years, supporting its growth and enhancing the contribution it makes to the local economy. It’s a well-established provider of well-paid employment, particularly for young people.
“This new investment will further strengthen the business, provide security for the workforce and create more jobs. It will also contribute to the region’s transition to a net zero economy.
“I’m very pleased we’ve been able to support the project and look forward to continuing to work with the company.
Lewis Maclean, managing director of Maclean’s Highland Bakery, said:
“This funding is giving us a real boost to allow us to accelerate our growth plans and reduce our Carbon Footprint.”
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