Sangs to welcome First Minister

…as the team chart out their plans for growth

Local MP for Banff & Buchan and First Minister Alex Salmond will hear about development plans that are set to double turnover for award winning soft drinks manufacturer Sangs (Banff) Ltd, during a visit to the company’s manufacturing base in Macduff, Aberdeenshire today (Fri 7 Mar 08).

Mr Salmond, will be met by the new management team behind Sangs, Andy Anderson and Kenny Webster, who acquired the 111-year-old business in a friendly takeover worth £10.2 million in July 2007. He will be introduced to staff as he is given a tour of the manufacturing facility, which has a current output across its two production lines of 30,000 bottles per hour, 240,000 each day and 1.2 million weekly.

Commenting on the visit, Andy Anderson, Managing Director of Sangs said: “We have been working hard in the past seven months laying the foundations to build a long term strategy for growth. This includes doubling our current turnover of £13.4 million in the next five years. Our projected turnover by March 2009 is growth to £17.4 million.

“Mr Salmond will hear about our exciting challenges, as we revamp packaging and labelling, step up marketing efforts for what is already a strong product portfolio and develop our sales structure across the central belt and England. This is all geared to grow our sales, increase profits and take Sangs onto the next level. We are delighted to be sharing our vision with our local MP and First Minister, and believe his visit also reflects our company’s position as a key employer in Banffshire.”

Alex Salmond, who made political history by becoming the first SNP leader to be elected First Minister of Scotland, will spend 90 minutes at the facility when he arrives at 12 noon.

Commenting, Alex Salmond said: “Sangs is a company with a long tradition for innovation, recognised by its many industry awards over the years.

“In the short period they have been at the helm, Andy and Kenny are already making an impact on their market, thanks to their years of experience in the soft drinks industry and retail sector. I wish them well with their plans for growth and will be keeping a close eye on their progress in the months and years ahead.”