Radnor Hills, a leading soft drinks maker, has recently completed the acquisition of Highland Spring Group’s Welsh production site. This strategic move aims to safeguard jobs at the Blaen Twyni facility in Swansea while supporting the ongoing growth of Radnor Hills.
Notably, the deal also includes the acquisition of a 40-acre water source situated within Bannau Brycheiniog National Park. For several years, this site has catered to major UK supermarkets, supplying them with a variety of still, sparkling, and flavored water drinks.
Established in 1990, Radnor Hills is an independent, family-owned company with an impressive turnover of £64.4 million. The company produces over 400 million drinks annually and boasts a diverse portfolio of brands, including Radnor Hills spring water, Heartsease Farm, Radnor Splash, and their popular range of school-approved children’s drinks, Radnor Fizz.
Expanding operations in Wales was a key priority for Radnor Hills, mirroring the success of their manufacturing base in Knighton, Powys.
William Watkins, Founder and Managing Director of Radnor Hills, expressed enthusiasm about the acquisition: “This deal represents a significant milestone in the growth of our company and will enable us to meet the increasing demands of our consumers. The Blaen Twyni site provides us with the perfect opportunity to expand our production capacity, thanks to the abundant source of pure, natural Welsh spring water that complements our existing supply from Heartsease.”
Watkins further added, “We are delighted to welcome the highly skilled and dedicated workforce from Blaen Twyni into our Radnor family. Safeguarding jobs within Wales and creating employment opportunities for the local community is of utmost importance to us.”
Expressing gratitude for the opportunity, Watkins acknowledged Highland Spring Group, stating, “We are thankful to Highland Spring Group for this collaboration and appreciate the professionalism and assistance provided by their team, ensuring a seamless transition.”
Simon Oldham, Managing Director of Highland Spring Group, also expressed his satisfaction with the deal, saying, “We are pleased to have reached an agreement with Radnor, and I personally extend my gratitude to each member of the site’s operations team for their professionalism and support during this transition. We wish them and the Radnor team all the best for the future.”
Highland Spring Group’s primary focus now lies in driving the growth of their flagship brand, Highland Spring, as the UK’s leading plain bottled water. This aligns with their long-term strategy of investing in sustainable products that promote healthy hydration in an environmentally responsible manner.
In conclusion, Radnor Hills’ acquisition of Highland Spring Group’s Welsh production site marks an important step forward for the company’s expansion plans. By acquiring a new facility and water source, Radnor Hills is poised for sustained growth in the soft drinks market.
