Vending firm fuels growth in Sunderland

A North East vending business is gearing up for growth following its acquisition by a national operator earlier this year.

Bradford-based Refreshment Systems Limited (RSL) has expanded its footprint in the region after buying Sunderland firm North East Vending in May. 

The family-run company, which supplies innovative vending and coffee machines to businesses across the UK, has retained all existing staff and plans to increase turnover by 25 per cent over the next year.

Operating from Villiers Street in Sunniside, the business has also grown its Sunderland team to 12 full-time employees.

Rhiannon Owens, business development manager at RSL, who joined the firm earlier this year to accelerate its growth across the North East, said: “Refreshment Systems is a really progressive business that invests in its people, its equipment, in new technologies and in the environment, by offsetting the carbon footprint of each of its machines.

“I’m really looking forward to helping the business grow, expanding its base of customers from Northumberland in the north to Northallerton in the south of the region. 

“I’m really proud to be part of a business that is at the cutting-edge in its field and has a strong national reputation that we can build on from our base in Sunderland.”

Sunderland City Council’s business investment team supported the firm following the acquisition.

Councillor Kevin Johnston, portfolio holder for housing, regeneration and business at Sunderland City Council, added: “It’s brilliant to see Refreshment Systems Limited going for growth, having moved into the city through its ambitious acquisition of an established Sunderland business.

“Sunderland is home to brilliant businesses, fuelled by hardworking and committed people, so it’s brilliant that – through the acquisition – jobs were protected and now more will be created as the business pushes forward as part of a nationally focused firm.”

RSL, which has more than 2000 machines, serves a broad range of sectors, including healthcare, manufacturing, local authorities and hospitality and is recognised for its focus on innovation and sustainability. 

The company provides carbon-neutral vending machines through long-standing offsetting initiatives and uses digital technology to manage real-time stock levels.

With existing clients including Marelli, Nifco, Biffa, Sunderland Hospital and South Tyneside Council, bosses say the expansion positions RSL to extend its reach across the North East and into Scotland as part of its nationwide growth strategy.

Steve May, managing director at RSL, added: “We’re proud to continue North East Vending’s legacy while driving innovation and creating opportunities for the region.”

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