Brakes Group, whose Scottish operations have a turnover of more than £68 million in regionally-produced foods, has set up a specialist division north of the border.

The formation of Brakes Scotland comes six months after the opening of a multi-temperature depot on a 172,000 sq ft site in Newhouse, North Lanarkshire, employing 340. This is where the headquarters is based.

At the time of the opening, group chief executive Ken McMeikan said: “This exemplifies our continued commitment to the country.”

Brakes Scotland, headed by operations director John McLintock, also has multi-temp sites in Inverness, Oban and Dundee.

The four units have more than 600 staff, partnerships with over 60 Scottish suppliers and 11,000 customers.

McLintock commented: “We already supply over 340 Scottish lines and our focus will be on increasing this number, providing customers with fantastic local produce, including meat, poultry, fish and dairy products.

“Since January, Brakes in Scotland has added £2.5 million annualised sales directly to the Scottish economy.”

Among the dairy suppliers is Bridge of Allan-based Graham’s Dairies, while a new contact is crisp producer Mackie’s at Taypack, of Errol, Perthshire.

Tel: Brakes Scotland (01698) 731700