Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
EARNING A CRUST
260 jobs are saved after bakery brand is rescued
MORE than 260 jobs have been saved after Mcerlain’s Bakery, one of Northern Ireland’s oldest companies, was bought out of administration.
Better known by its Genesis Crafty brand, it had been experiencing trading difficulties over the past year but a sale was agreed to the chief executive officer of Tayto Group Paul Allen just after administrators from EY were appointed.
The company said EY worked with the business to identify a buyer in advance of the process and the business will continue to trade as normal.
Tha managing director of the company Paul Mcerlain – one of the brothers involved in the business – will remain at the helm.
Mr Allen said the purchase is a private investment by him and his family.
He added: “The Mcerlain family have built a great business, with excellent products which have national markets.
“I’m hoping that in my non-executive role, I will be able to use my experience in the industry to help guide the growth of both the Genesis Crafty brand and the overall business.
“I’m delighted the jobs at the factory have been secured and Brian Mcerlain will be staying on as MD.
“I see this as a very sound business with great potential. We have been working closely with Danske Bank and John Mcmahon’s legal team at Keystone Law and their support and expertise has been invaluable.
“I’m now looking forward to seeing the company return to substantial, managed, successful growth and further investment in the future.” Welcoming the move, Mr Mcerlain said: “This is a time of mixed emotions; sadness that it is now a different family who own the business but hope for the future and the growth of the Genesis Crafty brand.
“Paul Allen’s ability is very well respected in the business community, not just in Northern Ireland but further afield and I believe his involvement will be a real benefit to the company.
“I’d like to pay tribute to all our staff, customers and suppliers, who have been through some difficult times with us and whose support we have really appreciated.”