Chemical group seals acquisition to help it grow

A YORKSHIRE-based chemical group which plans to make its mark in the food industry has secured an acquisition.
Richard Chadwick of Airedale Chemical HoldingsRichard Chadwick of Airedale Chemical Holdings
Richard Chadwick of Airedale Chemical Holdings

Airedale Chemical Holdings Group, has bought the ingredients distribution business, Rigest to complement its portfolio of businesses.

Both businesses are based in Cross Hills, West Yorkshire.

Rigest, which was established in 1993 to service the food and drink manufacturing industry with food acids, preservatives, flavourings and contract manufacturing, will form the new ingredients division of the Airedale Chemical Holdings Group.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Richard Chadwick, the group chairman of Airedale Chemical Holdings Group, said: “Our acquisition of Rigest provides us with even greater potential in the ever-expanding and increasingly competitive food and beverage industry. Rigest is a well-known and trusted ingredients distributor within the sector and that goes a long way in the food and drink industry.”

Martin Leighton, who will head up the division as managing director of Rigest, added: “This move will give even greater added value to the Airedale group’s existing and potential customer base. We will continue to distribute ingredients predominantly to leaders in food and drink manufacture, which is a sector renowned for demanding proven and trusted suppliers and distributors.”

The group predicts that Rigest will grow by 100 per cent in 2016, and development plans will begin with the expansion of its product range.

The combined business will employ 150 staff. Airedale Chemical, which was established in 1973, specialises in the manufacture of industrial chemicals, surfactants, phosphates, phosphonates and dye stuff to a range of market sectors across the UK and Europe. The group’s expected turnover for 2016 is around £55m.