The new owners of a Co Down bakery ingredients business have paid tribute to its founder after his death last month.
BAKO Group said James Finlay, who was the founder and “driving force” behind James A S Finlay Ltd, died on Christmas Eve.
The group had announced its acquisition of James A S Finlay in April last year.
A spokesperson for BAKO said: “James founded Finlays in 1970 and built a fantastic business which has grown to be a leading name in the Irish bakery trade, employing approximately 60 people at its purpose-built site in Maghaberry, which serves a customer base that extends throughout Northern Ireland into the Republic of Ireland, as well as the wider UK, Europe and Asia.”
And BAKO chief executive Mike Tully described Mr Finlay, who was 88, as “a force of nature and his drive and vision were only matched by his dedication to the team”.
He added: “We are proud that Finlays is part of the BAKO Group of companies and will continue to run and grow the business in a way that is a tribute to one of the bakery trade’s true gentlemen.
“James will be missed by all of us, and specifically by his family to whom we send our deepest condolences.”
BAKO Group paid an undisclosed sum to acquire James A S Finlay, which Mr Finlay founded in 1970.
The Northern Ireland business is now a major manufacturer of ingredients to the bakery and general food industry.
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Finlay’s Foods started out as a supplier of fruit pie fillings but has expanded to manufacture cheesecake toppings, fruit sauces and sweet mince.
In 2000, it expanded into the confectionery market with the manufacture of sugar strands and sprinkles, becoming one of the UK’s biggest manufacturers of the products. In 2010, it also began manufacturing jams and spreads.
Clients of Finlay’s Foods include home bakeries, bakery chains and big industrial bakeries.
BAKO Group provides independent bakers and caterers with ingredients and finished products from suppliers, and its own range. It has depots in Preston, Durham and Wimbledon and has 312 staff across its three sites.
Speaking at the time of the acquisition, Mr Tully said: “Finlay’s Foods has established a strong presence and loyal customer base, which we intend to build upon and expand.
“By integrating Finlay’s Foods’ product line with our own, we are able to diversify our offerings and enhance our competitive edge. Their expertise in bakery products complements our current portfolio and opens up a wide range of cross-selling opportunities.
“Bringing Finlay’s Foods into the BAKO family will also provide substantial operational advantages, including optimised supply chains, shared resources, and enhanced production capabilities.
“The additional resources and capabilities from this acquisition provide us with the ability to accelerate innovation and drive growth, aligning with our commitment to offering high-quality products and services and exploring new market segments.”