Expansion for Shetland wholesaler as it takes over Orkney firm

Local wholesalers J.W. Gray & Co has expanded its business by taking over Kirkwall-based Orkney Wholesalers Ltd.

J.W. Gray has been operating in Orkney for 15 years and the business there is a replica of the service it provides in Shetland, selling fresh, chilled and frozen meats, fresh, frozen, tinned and dry foods and most cash and carry products, including cleaning products, crockery and pet foods.

The acquisition of Orkney Wholesalers means its former owner, Susan Harrold, will join the Orkney branch of J.W. Gray at its Hatston site in Kirkwall.

The new Orkney business will also include an Argos parcel agency and a wool brokerage, and it is hoped this will mean the creation of two new jobs.

Company director Iain Johnston said: “We’ve had a good working relationship with a good customer base in Orkney for a lot of years and the takeover seemed common sense.”

Mr Johnston said he hoped that the takeover would “allow the company to continue to diversify as the market dictates”.