High street shops and supermarkets fuel growth for Scottish shopfitting manufacturer

This announcement comes during a visit by Cabinet Secretary for Finance, Employment and Sustainable Growth, John Swinney later today (2 December), where he will officially open the new 15,000 sq feet facility at St David’s Business Park in Dalgety Bay.

Mr Swinney said: "The Scottish Government and its enterprise agencies are working hard to secure new jobs and investment, and to retain Scotland position as the most competitive environment for business in the UK.

"KDM Shopfitting Ltd is a good example of what ambitious companies can achieve through hard work and vision, with funding support from the private and public sectors.

"Support by Scottish Enterprise has been integral to the growth of KDM, both through account management and a £235,000 Regional Selective Assistance grant, and this partnership will continue to allow KDM to capitalise on opportunities, create jobs and help the realise growth plans in future."

KDM Shopfitting produces and installs high quality shopfitting items at a variety of UK businesses, banks, and supermarkets including: Tesco Stores, Marks and Spencer, Morrisons, Asda, Makro, HSBC and Tesco Bank.

Its relationship with Tesco, in particular, has matured over several years, recently generating around £6 million of turnover through supply and installation at over 100 new or refurbished Tesco stores.

Scottish Enterprise has been working intensively with KDM Shopfitting Ltd since it was established in 1999 by Iain Jones and Keith MacInnes. It has seen the company grow from 6 employees operating from a manufacturing site of just 860 sq ft to now employing around 40 people as well as working with a further 40 fixers/joiners onsite throughout the UK, and owning a new 15,000 sq ft bespoke facility.

KDM Shopfitting Ltd executive director, Iain Jones said “This move signifies an important step in our ambitious growth plans, and it’s thanks to the hard work and commitment of our staff, suppliers and clients that we’re here today.

“This facility offers us additional capacity to accommodate our new efficient machinery which requires a significant increase to our workforce so we can meet our client’s needs. Combine that with our determination to improve production methods and reduce lead times and we’re well on our way to meeting our growth ambition.

“The help we’ve received from Scottish Enterprise has been outstanding. The support and advice really has helped us make this project happen bigger, better and faster than we could have done on our own. I’d like to take this opportunity to thank them for all their help to date and I look forward to work with them as we continue our growth journey.”

Scottish Enterprise company growth director, Linda Hanna accompanied Mr Swinney during his visit to KDM’s new premises. She said: “KDM Shopfitting Ltd has shown exceptional growth since it was established twelve years ago, which is testament to its forward thinking and innovative management team.

“Today is a key milestone for the company and both Iain and Keith have shown real determination and leadership to get here and I wish them every success as their company grows from strength to strength.”

The company is investing £1.2 million in its new facility which has been supported with a £235,000 Regional Selective Assistance (RSA) grant from Scottish Enterprise.

KDM Shopfitting Ltd’s account manager at Scottish Enterprise, Richard Johnson, commented: “As one of the companies we work most closely with, KDM has access to a team that represents the different areas of business support we can offer. This approach has delivered specialist business growth advice and expertise, including help to undertake relocation feasibility studies and support to develop strategies for trading overseas.”