The smell of fresh bread is wafting along Cooil Road as Robinsons announce the re-opening of Ross Bakery.
The news that one of the Island’s oldest family businesses had bought the bakery came shortly after the shock news that Shoprite had sold out to Tesco.
Ross Bakery had announced it was up for sale and at one point may have faced closure, however the good news story came in October that the bakery had been bought.
Robinsons take-over
The unveiling of Ross Bakery marks a significant milestone for Robinson’s, as it expands its commitment towards the island in supplying quality local produce while investing in innovation and customer satisfaction.
It was an unbeatable feeling opening our new bakery at Robinson’s this weekend – and coincidentally during Real Bread Week,
Janna Horsthuis, Robinsons Managing Director
Managing Director, Janna Horsthuis, said: “It was an unbeatable feeling opening our new bakery at Robinson’s this weekend – and coincidentally during Real Bread Week, which is the cherry on top.
“I am so impressed with our incredible team of people who have worked hard to utilise a warehouse, turning it into something that looks like it belongs on the set of Interstellar!”
Judging from the reactions of the Ross Bakery team, they’re more than delighted with the new equipment installed said Horsthuis.
“The next few weeks will be dedicated towards getting to know our new team members, while also learning more about the bakery to get operations running as smoothly as possible.”
Robinson’s acquired the Ross Bakery brand in October last year with its founder, Simon Ross, guiding productions.
Simon said: “What an amazing feeling to be in our new home and baking bread for the Isle of Man.”
“The team at Robinson’s has done an incredible job building this bakery from scratch in just a few short months,” Simon continues.
“The brief to us was – “design your dream bakery” and that’s what Robinson’s delivered.
“At the heart of Ross Bakery by Robinson’s is a team of bakers that absolutely loves making bread for the community. The opportunities we have to do that in our new home are truly exciting. We can’t wait to get going.”
This new project is set to become a cornerstone in Robinson’s efforts to enhance local food security and reinforce the Isle of Man’s bakery sector.
Local Food Security
One value of Robinson’s is to promote what is already available on the Isle of Man.
By investing in top-of-the-line ovens, mixers, and other baking tools, the company has been able to make decisions that positively impact the island’s sustainability, as the equipment within the bakery is energy-efficient and produces minimal waste allowing the wider community to reduce its environmental footprint if it so chooses.
Simon added that having high quality machinery will provide a ‘meaningful impact’ on Robinson’s local food security strategy.
Robinson’s Managing Director has said there are ‘several benefits’ to this project, as it will accelerate business growth by increasing production capacity and will accommodate new markets.
Horsthuis said: “I’m very pleased we’ve been able to provide support and look forward to continuing to work with the bakery team as it progresses on its growth journey.
“This investment will transform a major part of our operations, fixing a production bottle-neck that has hampered growth in bakery and will aim to make Simon and his team’s job a little easier too with the investment of new equipment.”
Robinson’s will focus on producing a limited range initially to help deliver quality goods in line with its high demand from the local culinary sector. Janna added: “It’s our obligation to provide the best produce possible in support of them and the island community.”
However, it is our hope to start experimenting with some new ideas soon.’ The family business looks forward to sharing its baked goods via its Cooil Road and Prospect Terrace stores.
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