Oven supplier takes slice of pizza market

An oven supplier has doubled the size of its Redditch HQ in response to the surge in demand for delivered pizza.

White’s Foodservice Equipment, which supplies pizza ovens, spares and food preparation equipment to major names including Domino’s Pizza, Papa John’s and a host of independent operators up and down the country, has expanded into the unit next door.

In the wake of a record year, owner Tim White is looking to recruit more staff.

He said: “It became clear last year we needed to expand and it turned out the unit next door was going to be available.

“It’s the ideal solution, as we have spent six or seven years investing in our current unit on the South Moons Moat estate to get it just right, with a fully fitted showroom so clients can try out the equipment before they buy it.”

Ben Truslove of commercial property agents John Truslove arranged a five year lease with White’s Foodservice Equipment for the 6,468 sq ft Unit 7 on Padgets Lane, adjoining the firm’s existing based at Unit 8, more than doubling its floorspace.

White added: “Business has gone through the roof over the last year. Obviously everyone was phoning for a pizza during lockdown and that demand is just continuing. We operate a spare parts website as well, and supply both wood-fired and normal commercial pizza ovens made by the leading manufacturers in the industry.

“We now have around 15 full time staff and will be aiming to recruit two or three more over the next 12 months.”

With major names as clients, the firm has seen turnover grow to a record £4.5m over the last year.

Ben Truslove said: “I have known Tim and White’s Foodservice Equipment since we helped them first move to Redditch and it has been a pleasure seeing the business continue to grow.

“We are delighted to have been able to help them take the next step – it underlines the strength of Redditch as a centre for businesses with a nationwide reach. We have the premises and the infrastructure that are vital for any growing business.”

Wadsworths Solicitors in Shirley acted for White’s Foodservice Equipment.