The directors of food equipment manufacturer Foodmek appointed insolvency specialist Shona Campbell of Henderson Loggie as liquidator in October 2023 after 52 years in business.

The company supplied processing equipment for the food and drink industry to some of the biggest names in food manufacturing in the UK and abroad. The closure of the firm resulted in all staff being made redundant.

CAE has been trading since 1952, providing solutions for all fluid handling requirements and quality equipment and servicing to industry, and has expanded considerably in the last 20 years through identifying synergistic businesses and skills to bring under the CAE banner. Foodmek’s portfolio fits with CAE’s strategy for continued growth into new market sectors, particularly the food industry. CAE provides full turn key solutions for all fluid handling requirements, from equipment specification, installation, commissioning, control and maintenance/calibration of pumps, pipework vessels and control equipment.

CAE has had a long-standing working relationship with Foodmek and recognises that it had been a UK and internationally respected business for over 50 years. Due to increased workload CAE have been looking to expand its Clydebank operations with an east coast of Scotland base.

Lesley Cardiff, CAE’s finance director, said: “We are delighted to have acquired Foodmek and to be able to continue its legacy of providing high-quality processing equipment to the food and drink industry. Shona Campbell has provided a very professional and cooperative liaison as liquidator, with the mutual aim of achieving a beneficial outcome for the Foodmek plant.

“Tayport is an excellent base for our expanding operations. Through swift expansion, CAE has focused more predominantly on the drinks, water, pharmaceuticals and paper industries. We believe that this increase in capacity and opportunity to provide a wider range of project packages to an increasing customer base will lead to further success.

“We understand that this will have been a very worrying time for customers with Foodmek’s range of equipment. We will be in contact to offer total support and back up for the products they currently have, and we will prioritise any existing projects for completion. We are also totally committed to long-term support by way of spare parts supply and machine servicing and will be continuing with manufacturing a range of filling systems, offering sales and service backup.”

CAE will now be recruiting in the Tayport area and hopes that those who have been made redundant under the liquidation of Foodmek will be interested in joining its team.

Lesley Cardiff added: “We are looking for skilled and experienced workers who can help us grow our business and serve our customers. We believe that Foodmek’s former staff have a lot to offer, and we would welcome them to apply for the positions we have available.”

Shona Campbell, insolvency partner at Henderson Loggie, commented: “We are pleased that we were able to find a such a well-matched buyer for Foodmek that will keep skilled jobs in the Tayport area. We wish CAE and its new employees all the best for the future.”