A top bakery has been hailed as a “cornerstone” of the Wrexham economy.
The tribute to the Village Bakery came from Cllr David Bithell, the outgoing Mayor of Wrexham, during one of his last engagements at the end of his year in office.
Cllr Bithell and his wife, Virginia, the Mayoress, were taken on a guided tour of the firm’s two bakeries on Wrexham Industrial Estate by MD Robin Jones.
Along with other members of staff, they met bakery manager Simon Thorpe and Matty Owens, who is the manager of the gluten-free bakery.
The family firm, which also has a bakery in Minera, near Wrexham, was named Wales’s fastest growing company at the Wales Fast Growth 50 Awards and now employs 300 people.
The company is celebrating its 80th birthday this year and has just undergone a major rebranding that’s proved a big success.
Another cause for celebration was getting planning permission for a new £2.3 million Baking Academy and Innovation Centre.
They are laying the foundations for future expansion with a recruitment drive to take on 13 apprentices.
Cllr Bithell said: “The Mayoress and I have been very impressed with the set up at the Village Bakery which is a family run firm.
“As we were walking around the production areas, what struck me was how spotlessly clean everything is and how enthusiastic the staff are about their work. There’s a happy working environment here.
“The company is obviously going places and looking at the plans for future development there are exciting times ahead.
“We are very grateful to Robin and the family for spending time and money on recruiting apprentices who will be the next generation of bakers.
“I am very proud that the Village Bakery is a Wrexham company, they started in this area and they are growing in this area.
“The fact that they now employ 300 people and have been named as Wales’s fastest growing company speaks volumes.
“The Village Bakery is now a cornerstone of the Wrexham economy and proof that Wrexham is a great place to do business.
“They have an entrepreneurial spirit and they are committed to the Wrexham area – they are fantastic ambassadors for the town.”
“On behalf of Wrexham County Borough Council, I would like to thank Robin and the family for being in the borough and employing 300 staff and we wish them all the best for the future.”
Bakery Manager Simon Thorpe was delighted to have the chance to meet the Mayor and the Mayoress.
He said:” It’s great to be working with a business that is growing so quickly.
He said: “The investment that’s being put in and the quality of the products means it’s a fantastic company to work for – one that has a great future.
One of the proudest people at the Village Bakery is Matty Owens, the manager of the gluten-free bakery.
He said: “From joining as a 17 year old apprentice to where I am now is a great achievement. I am very proud I have been given this opportunity.
“We are now trying to recruit a new wave of apprentices to follow in my footsteps so to speak. We’re looking for 13 people in all, a proper Baker’s Dozen.
“There are great career opportunities at the Village Bakery as long as you grasp them with both hands and work hard.
“When I started out I never thought I would get this far but hopefully those coming in will be able to look at me as a role model.”
