The iconic Hall’s sausage will still be produced in Scotland after the brand was bought over from Dutch owners Vion.
However, the move by Dumfriesshire’s Browns Food Group does not mean a return to production for the loss-making Hall’s of Broxburn site in West Lothian, which Vion moved to close last year with the loss of 1,700 jobs.
The fate of Vion’s poultry factory at Coupar Angus which employs around 1,000 workers its chicken processing facility at Cambuslang, and the McIntosh Donald red meat division at Portlethen remain unresolved, with discussions continuing with possible buyers.
The new deal struck by Browns is for the Hall’s brand name alone, although the company said it would also be taking on around 50 employees involved in the firm’s van sales operation.
Browns finance director Alan Hill said the agreement, completed on Burns Night for an undisclosed sum, brought together two of Scotland’s best known food brands.
He said Browns which was established in 1885 and remains privately owned by the Godfrey family saw significant value in the Hall’s name, and the company would invest heavily in growing the brand.
Under the deal, production of Hall’s branded products has switched to Browns’ operated facilities at Belchers of Prestwick and Fenton Barns near North Berwick.
Mr Hill said it was too early to say how much cash Browns was prepared to plough into the business, but it was hoped the brand would grow significantly in coming months.
“We have no numbers at the moment,” Mr Hill said.
“It is early days we just took over on Friday but we are looking to grow Hall’s both in terms of investing in the brand, and hopefully with people going forward. It will all depend on how well it does.”
Mr Hill said the owners of Browns, a £120 million turnover business, were committed to revitalising Halls.
He added: “The family that owns Browns Food Group are passionate about their business.
“They are passionate about food brands and think that Hall’s has been a bit of a sleeping giant. We want to grow it back to what it was when David A. Hall was in charge.”
A spokesman for Vion Food Group said: “Following their acquisition of the Hall’s brand, we would like to wish Browns Food Group every success with their plans for the business.”
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