A GROUP whose companies include Cross Hills-based Airedale Chemical has bought an ingredients distribution business.

Airedale Chemical Holdings Group has added Rigest to its portfolio.

The acquisition aims to establish a greater presence in the competitive food and beverage industry, which manufacturer Airedale Chemical already supplies to.

"Rigest is a well-known and trusted ingredients distributor within the sector and that goes a long way in the food and drink industry," said Airedale Chemical Holdings Group chairman Richard Chadwick.

It is planned to boost Rigest's growth by 100 per cent this year, beginning with an expansion of its product range.

Martin Leighton, who will head-up the division as managing director of Rigest, said: "This move will give even greater added value to the Airedale group's existing and potential customer base.

"We will continue to distribute ingredients predominantly to leaders in food and drink manufacture, which is a sector renowned for demanding proven and trusted suppliers and distributors."