A family-run vending business is expanding in Sunderland, after it was acquired earlier this year.

Refreshment Systems Limited (RSL) – a Bradford headquartered firm – acquired North East Vending on Villiers Street, Sunniside in May. Now, having retained existing staff, the business is pushing ahead with its growth plans, with ambitions to increase turnover by a quarter over the next year.

The business, which is a Real Living Wage employer, offers a range of vending systems, from innovative hot food machines to commercial coffee machines and – having expanded through its acquisition of the Sunderland site – now employs more than 120 people across the UK.

The business has added to its headcount in Sunderland, with 12 full-time members of staff including a newly-appointed business development manager to spur on expansion.

RSL serves customers from a range of sectors including hospitals, local authorities, manufacturing businesses and hospitality businesses.

The company offers lease arrangements, as well as machines for sale, and is renowned in the industry for its focus on innovation and digital adoption.

It provides carbon offsetting to effectively deliver carbon-neutral machines, something it has been doing for the last 15 years.

Steve May, Managing Director at RSL, said: “We’re proud to continue North-East Vending’s legacy while driving innovation and creating opportunities for the region.”

Rhiannon Owens, business development manager at RSL, joined the firm earlier this year to accelerate its growth across the North East.

She said: “Refreshment Systems is a really progressive business that invests in its people, its equipment, in new technologies and in the environment, by offsetting the carbon footprint of each of its machines.

“I’m really looking forward to helping the business grow, expanding its base of customers from Northumberland in the north to Northallerton in the south of the region.

“I’m really proud to be part of a business that is at the cutting-edge in its field and has a strong national reputation that we can build on from our base in Sunderland.”

RSL hopes to grow its client base which currently includes regionally based automotive suppliers Marelli and Nifco and waste management business Biffa, as well as Sunderland Hospital and South Tyneside Council.

The company provides everything from snack and drinks machines, to hot food venders, water coolers and even PPE dispensers.

It uses digital technology to take live virtual stock checks that enable supplies to be replenished at the point of need.

Refreshment Systems Limited was founded in 1967, and as well as its base in Bradford has depots in Manchester, Liverpool, Derby and London meaning it can serve the whole country.

Its Sunderland base – which has been established for 50 years at the point of acquisition – will strengthen its ability to serve a wider footprint, which could see it expand beyond the borders into Scotland.

Sunderland City Council’s Business Investment Team supported the firm following the acquisition.

Councillor Kevin Johnston, portfolio holder for housing, regeneration and business at Sunderland City Council, said: “It’s brilliant to see Refreshment Systems Limited going for growth, having moved into the city through its ambitious acquisition of an established Sunderland business.

“Sunderland is home to brilliant businesses, fuelled by hardworking and committed people, so it’s brilliant that – through the acquisition – jobs were protected and now more will be created as the business pushes forward as part of a nationally focused firm.”

Refreshment Systems Limited has more than 2,000 machines that are supplied to businesses across the country. To find out more, visit www.refreshmentsystems.co.uk.