A world-renowned family business ingredients manufacturer is celebrating its longest-serving staff member reaching 40 years of service at the company.
Joining straight from university, Elaine Marshall has gone on to create some of Macphie’s famous sauces and has been pivotal in the firm’s evolution for four decades.
A Home Economics graduate, Elaine has played a crucial role developing the firm’s sauce range, developing expertise in new product development (NPD) and ultra-high temperature (UHT) processing.
The Banff-local started off in the firm’s Quality Control department and has since led on the creation of some of Macphie’s most popular sauces like its Bechamel with Butter sauce – more than 1,300 tonnes of which is sold by Macphie per year.
Elaine, who is a Product Designer at the major food firm, said: “I honestly never thought I’d be at Macphie for 40 years, so to have reached this milestone is a bit crazy. It really is an incredible place to work and every day has offered its own rewards and challenges."
“I had initially planned to go into teaching after university, but at that time there was a shortage of roles. I accepted a role at Macphie, thinking it would be for a few years but 40 years later, I am still here, and love it."
“Originally, I was working with a Bunsen burner and a wooden spoon which has now become a whole development branch. Around 30 years ago we had a UHT plant installed, which was a first of its kind at the time and really changed the company’s trajectory."
“From the get go, Macphie has been an employer with such strong family values and ultimately that’s why so many staff are committed to their roles."
"It really is a unique, rewarding place to work and I’m very lucky to have spent my career here.”
As well as playing a key role in developing recipes for Bechamel and Hollandaise sauces, Elaine has spent time in Macphie’s commercial team, driving growth through its sales channels with major restaurant chains.
When Elaine first started at Macphie, there were around 60 employees – there are now 250.
The firm is known for its commitment to its employees, setting up an Employee Trust 40 years ago which is used to better the lives of employees and their families – supporting with everything from student bursaries to leisure subsidy schemes.
The 40-year celebrations come at a poignant time for Macphie – which is also celebrating 50 years at its Glenbervie base in Aberdeenshire after moving its operations from Glasgow.
Andy Stapley, Macphie’s CEO said: “Elaine has played a significant part in some of Macphie’s top products, so we’re very lucky to have her here at Glenbervie. It is most definitely a year of milestones at Macphie and its important for us to look back on the successes of staff and the wider business."
“Committed, talented staff like Elaine are at the heart of all of Macphie’s success. We pride ourselves on creating a positive staff environment where people can be proud of their work.”
Macphie is an internationally renowned ingredients manufacturer established in 1928, which manufactures a wide range of products including cake mixes and savoury sauces, as well as offering plant-based and gluten-free options.
It was among Scotland’s first businesses to achieve B Corp status in 2015, having successfully evidenced an unwaveringly high standard of social and environmental performance.
Its vision is to be the go-to partner for food brands around the world, turning ideas and creativity into practical solutions. Its passion for making life easier for chefs and bakers is reflected in its “simply clever” strapline.
To find out more about Macphie, please visit their website here
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