The new general manager for Radnor Hills

A new managing director has been appointed at Wales’ biggest soft drink maker.

Simon Knight has taken over the role at Knighton-based Radnor Hills, with former managing director William Watkins becoming CEO.

Simon has been working as a consultant for Radnor for the past two years after being recommended by the Welsh Government.

He has over 30 years’ experience in the FMCG industry, with roles including Director of Sales and Marketing for premium snack brand Burts Snacks, helping to drive the business from £11m to £57m turnover . He also worked for Mars Wrigley.

Simon said:

“I am delighted to be joining Radnor at such an exciting time. We have a wide range of brands and lots of exciting new products in development. Radnor is fast growing and independent and has maintained a refreshingly agile way of working. I really like William’s ethos of continuous investment in the company which allows it to flourish and grow.

“It is very much a family business and I have been impressed by how passionate our team is about the brands we produce, our customers and consumers. I am very confident that we have everything in place for continued growth and success.

“The real magic is in Radnor’s basket of products, which have been perfected for over 36 years. The company manufactures every format from one place, including glass, RPET plastic, Tetra Pak and cans.

“I intend to bring a strategic and collaborative focus to my new role and will set very clear objectives that bring the wider team together as one. Each person is vital to our success, so I will focus on our brilliant people and their capabilities to ensure we are set up for success and ultimately deliver results for all stakeholders.”

William Watkins, who founded Radnor Hills in 1990, said:

“I am absolutely delighted that Simon is joining the Radnor team, bringing a wealth of FMCG experience to our business. He has a proven track record of profitably growing businesses, increasing efficiency, building client relationships and getting the best out of his team through a clear strategic focus.

“These are exciting times for business. Radnor Hills continues to grow and Simon will focus on the day-to-day running of the business, allowing me to focus on longer term projects, ensuring we continue to have the ability to keep up with demand for our products. .”

Radnor produces a range of still, sparkling and flavored drinks, all made with spring water from its boreholes.

To support the company’s continued strategic growth, last year Radnor acquired the Welsh manufacturing site of Highland Spring Group in Blaen Twyni, Swansea.

It also unveiled a multi-million pound investment in its manufacturing site in Knighton, with new manufacturing facilities, a quality assurance laboratory, a state-of-the-art office complex and a conference facility on his website.

Radnor has also invested £1.8m in solar panels to power its operations and this now provides 25% of the factory’s electricity needs.