A Short History
1965 – Founded by Douglas Hider, the company is an offshoot of a firm of fresh fruit importers established during the 1914-18 war. Mr Hider had joined this firm as a sales representative in 1948 and 17 years later forms the new company to specialise in the import, packaging and sale of nuts, dried fruit and delicatessen lines. Mr Hider acts as chief salesman and spends much of the time travelling and establishing the business whilst his wife Margaret Hider manages the office and the warehouse setting the cornerstone of the company’s success.
1973 – The original Victorian premises in Robinson Row in the Old Town of the City of Hull are outgrown as the company continues to expand. In August the move to purpose built offices and warehouse in Wiltshire Road is made.
1978 – David Hider, son of the founder, joins the company after 10 years as a biology teacher. Four years later he is appointed General Manager with the main task of setting up a new management structure to cope with the departmental pressures of the expanding business.
1981 – After completing his Business Studies degree Mike Thirkettle is appointed as David’s “No.2” with main responsibilities for controlling the logistics side of the business – warehouse, production and distribution.
1986 – Hider celebrates 21 years in business and purchases the building adjacent to its existing warehouse and now operates from 20,000 sq ft of premises offering nationwide distribution through its own fleet of vehicles. Whilst it has seen a gradual transformation into a modern computerised company, Hider Foods retains it personal friendly approach to its valued customers.
1988 – The introduction of a specialist telesales department gives additional support to the company’s external sales force, enabling a far more efficient response to customer requirements.
1996 - Duncan Hider, son of David and the third generation of the Hider family joins the business after graduating from Newcastle University. Duncan’s initial role is to develop the company’s IT resource and production capability.
1996 – Hider acquires Hexham-based RG Hall Ltd, a company operating in the same markets using state-of-the-art packing machinery from its 6,500 sq ft premises. The fully automated packing facilities give Hider an increased flexibility to accommodate customer orders in an ever shorter period of time.
1998 – The integration of both its Hull warehousing and Hexham production site is complete as Hider move a little further down Wiltshire Road into the old Carbutts building (formerly owned by Whitworths). 27,000 sq ft additional offices built.
2002 – A 15,000 sq ft warehouse extension is completed by local builders Geo Houlton & Son. The additional warehousing space is a welcome relief as the company rapidly expands its product portfolio.
2004 - A Stroud & Co. Hider buy another local company specialising in processing of Roasted and Salted Peanuts.
2006 – An additional warehouse, over the road, is acquired (17,000 sq ft) and brought up to food standards. Display area and office space developed.
2007 – Scanning of goods in and out in warehouse.
2010 – Biodiesel plant purchased.
We try and go green!! Efficient lighting is a start.