First senior appointment for new team at Sangs

…as team lay foundations for growth

Darren Wilson has taken on the role of UK Sales Manager at soft drinks manufacturer, Sangs (Banff) Ltd, as the company gears up for growth in the year ahead. He is the first senior appointment by Andy Anderson and Kenny Webster, the new team behind the award winning company who acquired the Macduff-based business in a friendly takeover worth more than £10 million four months ago.

Darren will play a fundamental role in the company’s development plans, as he brings a wealth of experience with a career background in senior sales that spans 20 years, including 16 years with InBev UK - the world’s leading brewer with brands such as Stella Artois, Beck's and Tennent's.

Commenting on his new appointment and the company’s plans for growth, Darren said: “This is an exciting opportunity for me as I begin to work closely with the Sangs team led by Andy and Kenny, two people with such enthusiasm and drive for the business. It is great to be able to share their vision and be part of the company’s long-term strategy for growth, which includes doubling our current turnover of £13.4 million within the next five years.

“With responsibility for product distribution, I am beginning immediately by looking at new opportunities and new routes to market, as well as consolidating our existing business.”

For the past six years, Darren held the position of Senior Commercial National Account Manager looking after the convenience sector for InBev before becoming Commercial Manager (Independent Free Trade) in April this year. His role has involved operations such as planning budgeting and selling, along with building strong customer relationships.

“Without doubt Darren has the experience and strong contacts particularly in the convenience sector that will help us drive our business onto the next level,” said Andy Anderson, Managing Director, Sangs. “He will do this by ensuring we are properly resourced with an efficient sales structure to serve customers in Scotland and, indeed, across the UK. We are delighted to welcome him to the Sangs team.”

Darren (38), who lives in Hamilton with his partner and their daughter, will be based in the central belt of Scotland, while travelling throughout the country to source and secure new distribution channels for Sangs. The product portfolio includes Deveron Spring water, MacB flavoured water, Jet Pop children’s drinks, Fruit Twist juice drinks, One Fruit and Justadash sugar free concentrates.

Andy Anderson and Kenny Webster took over the 111-year-old Sangs business in July 2007 from the three Donald brothers, whose family first took control of the company in 1971. While carrying on the company’s long tradition for innovation, their plans include developing the Macduff manufacturing facility and depot in Aberdeen to gear up for expansion over the next few years.

Sangs, which employs 73 people in Macduff and Aberdeen, distributes products through the major multiples and cash and carry operations across the UK.