Village Bakery has appointed one of its longest-serving employees to oversee the next stage of its business transformation, placing a homegrown member of staff at the centre of the company's turnaround plans.
Jac Griffiths, who joined the Wrexham-based bakery as an apprentice at the age of 17, has been appointed Bakery Manager with responsibility for leading operational improvements across the business. His promotion comes as Village Bakery continues work on a turnaround programme following a challenging trading period that saw the company report a pre-tax loss of almost £28 million in 2024.
Having spent more than two decades with the company, Griffiths has worked across a wide range of production and operational roles, giving him detailed knowledge of the bakery's manufacturing processes. His appointment reflects Village Bakery's longstanding commitment to developing talent from within the business while investing in the skills needed to support future growth.
From apprentice to bakery manager
Griffiths joined Village Bakery as a teenager and progressed through the organisation by gaining experience across production, engineering and operations.
The company says that practical experience has given him a strong understanding of every stage of the bakery's manufacturing process, from production planning through to quality management. His appointment is intended to help strengthen operational performance as the business continues to modernise its facilities and improve efficiency.
Speaking following his appointment, Griffiths said he was proud to take on the role at a business where he had spent his entire career, describing the opportunity as both a privilege and a significant responsibility.
A major name in Welsh baking
Founded in 1934, Village Bakery has grown from a family bakery into one of Wales' largest food manufacturers, supplying bread, morning goods and bakery products to retailers across the UK.
The company employs hundreds of people across North Wales and has invested significantly in modern production facilities over recent years. Alongside traditional bakery products, Village Bakery has expanded into specialist ranges, including gluten-free products, helping it reach a wider customer base.
Despite recent financial challenges affecting the business, the appointment signals confidence in developing experienced internal leaders to guide the bakery through its next phase.
Investing in people as well as production
The promotion also highlights the importance of workforce development within Wales' food manufacturing sector.
Many food businesses continue to invest in apprenticeships, technical training and career progression to ensure they have the skilled workforce needed for increasingly sophisticated production environments. Developing existing employees can also help retain specialist knowledge while creating long-term career opportunities within rural and regional communities.
For manufacturers such as Village Bakery, investing in people is regarded as being just as important as investment in equipment and technology.
Why it matters for Welsh food
Village Bakery has been part of the Welsh food landscape for more than 90 years, making this appointment significant beyond the business itself.
Promoting an employee who has spent his entire career with the company sends a positive message about the opportunities available within Wales' food manufacturing industry. It also demonstrates that long-term investment in training and professional development can help businesses build resilient leadership from within.
As Welsh food manufacturers continue to adapt to changing consumer demand and economic pressures, experienced leaders with a deep understanding of production and quality will remain essential to the industry's future success.
Sources
Business News Wales – Rising Star Who Joined Bakery at 17 Chosen to Lead £28m Comeback.
Village Bakery – company information.
