Crisp giant Tayto eats up company

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Tayto has announced a further expansion with the acquisition of Birmingham firm Red Mill Snack Foods.

The County Armagh company said it was now the third-biggest crisp and snacks business in the UK. It employs 1,400 people across five sites.

Red Mill is best known for its Mr Porky pork scratchings and Transform-a-Snack range, as well as its tortilla chips.

Tayto's most high-profile acquisition came in February 2006, when it saved Golden Wonder from going under.

It also bought Welsh-based Real Crisp last November.

Red Mill Snacks employs more than 300 people in Birmingham and Bolton.

Tayto managing director Stephen Hutchinson said the acquisition would go towards "further reinforcing our reputation as a brand builder and quality manufacturer".

"Not only have we acquired an extensive and brand leading product range, we have now significantly consolidated our position in the industry," he said.

The company said annual turnover had grown ten-fold within six years from £15m to £150m.