Foodservice wholesaler Brakes Scotland has completed a £15 million extension to its Newhouse depot, which it said would create 50 new jobs.

Officially opened by Mairi Gougeon MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Land Reform and Islands, the extension will aim to enable Brakes to stock more products locally for next-day delivery and allow local suppliers to deliver fresh meat and produce straight to the depot, maximising freshness.

The extension will reportedly allow Brakes to build on its support for Scottish produce, as the company highlighted that it works with more than 80 suppliers and provides more than 500 Scottish food and drink products, with a particular emphasis on fresh, seasonal, trend-inspired produce.

Mairi Gougeon MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Land Reform and Islands, said: “It is a pleasure to join the celebration event here at Brakes depot in Newhouse.

“The investment made here is significant not just for the local economy, but for the entire food and drink supply chain, including hospitality venues, that it serves. Wholesalers like Brakes Scotland are essential to our food system and this expansion is helping secure more opportunities for our brilliant Scottish producers to showcase and supply their high-quality food and drink nationwide.”

Paul Nieduszynski, Sysco GB CEO, commented: “Brakes Scotland has been proudly serving the Scottish food community for more than 35 years and we remain as committed as ever to meeting the changing needs of our customers.

“With more than 80 Scottish suppliers, not only are we providing customers with a fantastic range of products, but we are also supporting the Scottish economy with more than £50 million invested in Scottish sourcing.”

As part of the opening, Brakes Scotland announced a further ten-year commitment to Hospitality Industry Trust Scotland, and said it would strengthen its partnership with food redistribution charity FareShare.