Specialist vape retailer VPZ, has today (2 February) announced a multi-million-pound investment programme “to expand UK manufacturing, strengthen supply-chain controls and create hundreds of jobs,” it said.
The investment includes a fifth production line at its UK facility, alongside plans to open 40 new stores throughout 2026.
New roles will span frontline retail, store leadership, logistics, warehousing, marketing,and administration, reflecting “a responsible growth model aligned with infrastructural expansion and an ever-changing regulatory landscape,” it added.
Part of the programme includes VPZ opening a bonded warehouse in its Edinburgh headquarters, a system already in common use across duty bound industries.
The facility will inherently help support enforcement, and further help distinguish compliant retailers from illegal operators amid growing concerns over the illicit vape market.
The announcement comes as Trading Standards and HMRC report record seizures of illegal and non-compliant vapes, which authorities warn undermine public health protections, tax revenues and legitimate businesses, which VPZ have actively been campaigning against for many years.
The warehouse will also form a major part of VPZ’s strategy with the introduction of the planned vape tax in October, whilst further reducing disruption for retailers and consumers who wish to purchase legitimate products from a verifiable specialist.
Jamie Strachan, operations director, said: “This investment builds further resilience and flexibility into our supply chain ahead of the 2026 vape tax.
“Strengthening our infrastructure now allows us to easily manage duty requirements efficiently, maintain continuity of supply, and mitigate any disruption for our retail network and customers.”
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