Walsall-based G Simmons & Sons, the family-owned manufacturer of pork scratchings, pork crackling and related products, is to expand its premises to cater for record demand following £334,000 in funding from Santander Business Banking.
G Simmons & Sons has been in operation over 40 years, founded by Graham Simmons and originally trading as a butcher’s shop in Willenhall. The pork scratchings were produced as a way to avoid waste from the pig skin and were a great success with customers. Some 30 years later and it is the scratchings side of the business which has thrived, with sales set to hit two million in 2018. G Simmons is now run by Graham’s sons, Shaun and Mark Simmons.
Over the last 24 months, G Simmons & Sons has secured six new contracts and hired three new members of staff. The £334,000 from Santander Business Banking will enable the firm to expand its existing premises to deal with the increase in demand. The business, which distributes its pork scratchings across the UK and Ireland, also hopes to expand into Europe.
Shaun Simmons, Joint Owner, G Simmons & Sons, said: “Our business began as a simple butchers shop and has grown into a national supplier thanks to the dedication of our family and the team. The expanded premises will allow us to meet the increased demand and help us achieve our long-term aspiration of becoming an international supplier of pork scratchings.”
Chirag Mistry, Relationship Director, Santander Business Banking, said: “From our first contact with G Simmons & Sons it was clear this was a business with huge potential. The business is well placed to capitalise on some fabulous opportunities and Santander is excited to be supporting this ambitious family business as it grows and prospers.”
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Notes to editors
For media enquiries regarding, G Simmons & Sons Ltd. please contact:
Shaun Simmons on shaun.simmons1@btinternet.com
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Lara Lipsey: T: 020 7756 4518 M: 07713 560 209 E: lara.lipsey@santander.co.uk
Josephine Dencker: T: 020 7756 4221 M: 0759 2113877 E: josephine.dencker@santander.co.uk
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