North Lanarkshire has welcomed a new business to the area. The Victor Pizza Co. recently relocated into a new 26,000 sq ft facility in Coatbridge, following a £3 million investment into the business.
The company is a second-generation, family-run manufacturer of pizza products, with roots dating back to the 1970s.
Today, the majority of its volume is supplied through wholesale and food service channels. This includes own-brand ranges, school-compliant pizzas supplied to local authorities, and an Eat Balanced seaweed-based range, which is supplied into major UK wholesalers.
A key driver behind the company’s move was the need for a larger, more suitable site. This has enabled the company to significantly increase production capacity and improve efficiencies, supporting its continued growth across both the Scottish chip shop market and the wider Scottish, English and Irish wholesale markets.
The relocation to North Lanarkshire has brought an additional 17 new jobs to the area. The business is already working closely with the council, North Lanarkshire’s Working and Routes to Work to create opportunities for local people, particularly young people looking to enter the food manufacturing industry.
Anne Marie Cairney, Co-founder of The Victor Pizza Co, said: “This move marks a huge milestone for our business. It’s a significant investment in our future and gives us the platform to grow while staying true to who we are as a family business.
“Coatbridge has been a fantastic place for us to land, and working closely with North Lanarkshire Council and Routes to Work means we can create real opportunities locally, particularly for young people coming into the industry. That people-first approach is something that’s always been at the heart of what we do.”
The move was helped by £20,000 grant funding from the council’s Business Growth Fund towards the conversion and fit-out of office and staff space, and visitor reception at the new premises.
The Business Growth Fund offers grants of up to £20,000 towards capital expenditure and/or infrastructure costs. Up to £5,000 is also available for workforce or skills development and up to £4000 funding is available towards the cost of attendance at trade shows or exhibitions.
This grant is open to businesses based in North Lanarkshire operating in advancing manufacturing, construction, creative industries, food and drink (manufacturing and processing), health and social care, life sciences, renewable energy, social enterprise, tourism, and transport and logistics sectors.
Councillor Alex McVey, Convener of Enterprise and Fair Work Committee, said: “We are delighted to welcome The Victor Pizza Co to North Lanarkshire. It’s fantastic to see such a dynamic business come to the area bringing its passion and enthusiasm, as well as new job opportunities.
“North Lanarkshire has so much to offer businesses with our wide range of properties, skilled workforce and excellent transport links and connectivity. We can also offer businesses a breadth of support to start up and grow, including funding, recruitment and training.”
If you are interested in in relocating to North Lanarkshire, or already here but looking to grow, or for new premises, we can help. Get in touch at invest@northlan.gov.uk.