Maxol has announced it is investing £1.25m to upgrade shop facilities at eight of its company-owned service stations across Northern Ireland this year.

The investment will extend the fresh chilled food and convenience offering in conjunction with Maxol’s symbol partner, Spar, at the eight stores.

Maxol is also planning to introduce its new ‘Moreish’ café/deli in two stores along with two Spar Tasty Delis and two Subways.

Maxol Group general manager and CEO designate, Brian Donaldson, said: “Creating a first class consumer experience has always been a top priority for Maxol. We strive to bring choice, value and freshness to our consumers and this investment will help us and our independent licensees who operate our sites to deliver this.

“Whether shoppers want the convenience of picking up quality ingredients on their way home so they can make a freshly prepared meal or whether they want to stop for refreshments in one of our Moreish cafes, Tasty Delis or Subways, we can provide both and give customers what they want and need in the most modern and welcoming environments.

“Maxol has been part of the local community in Northern Ireland for almost 100 years and we are delighted to be helping to create 10 new full time jobs through our developments in the coming year, and in turn supporting local suppliers as we roll out these new refits. It is our aim to have a network of destinations for all our valued customers that meet their convenience retail needs at all times of the day.”

The eight stores to benefit from the investment will be Scarva Road in Banbridge, Bryansburn in Bangor, Hightrees in Donaghadee, Rosepark in Dondonald, Cherryvalley, Ballyholme in Bangor, Belvoir in Belfast and Tates Avenue in Belfast.

Terry Mulkerns, independent licensee at Scarva Road, said: “I’m absolutely thrilled that Maxol selected our business for investment and for a Moreish cafe. It’s an undertaking that will not only benefit the local community and our much appreciated customers but the local suppliers and stakeholders as well.”