FISH producer Paddy’s has joined forces with Robinson’s in a move that will see the business leaving its Port St Mary home.
As of Wednesday, the company’s production facility moved to Robinson’s Fresh Foods’ Cooil Road, Braddan, site as part of the merger between the fish divisions of the two companies.
The fish shop on the quay in Port St Mary has closed but may possibly re-open at the Robinson’s site in future.
Paddy’s boss Tim Croft confirmed that the merger has meant the loss of two part-time jobs. Both he and his brother Paddy will still be involved in the business of supplying and servicing local wholesale and restaurant customers, as well as the retail fish counters within Shoprite stores in Port Erin and Victoria Road, Douglas. The Paddy’s branding will remain.
John Horsthuis, managing director of Robinson’s, said: ‘This merger brings together two family-run businesses, each with a strong tradition of food service in the Isle of Man.
‘The strengths of both Robinson’s within the restaurant and wholesale sector and Paddy’s in retail will allow the new business arrangement to reach its strategic goals, which will lead to an enhanced offering for our customers in the island. We are very pleased to be a part of this new and exciting development.’
Mr Croft added: ‘The decision to leave Port St Mary was obviously a tough one, as it was where the Paddy’s story began. Since I started the business, much has happened in the retail and economic environment and in order to protect the business and for it to thrive and reach its full potential then we needed to change.
‘John and I feel strongly that by joining forces we will be able to offer our customers even more, with greater efficiencies and improved customer service.’
Fresh food trader Robinson’s has been operating in the island for over 125 years. From beginnings as a small fresh fruit shop in Strand Street, Douglas, the business now supplies a vast range of products island-wide with services to more than 80 per cent of the independent retailers, hotels, schools and the hospitals in the island.
Paddy’s began trading from the quay in Port St Mary in 2006 as the retail arm to the seafood export activities of Island Seafare. The business has grown steadily to date and offers seafood online via mail order as well as fish counters within two Shoprite stores.