Plans by feed company I’Anson Brothers Ltd. for a new production facility in northern England have received a boost with approval granted by the local planning authority.
Getting the year off to a promising start, I’Anson Brothers launched the plan for a new feed mill to secure the firm’s future on January 1.
Initial capacity of the plant will be 150,000 metric tons (mt) annually, reports Darlington and Stockton Times. Each of the two lines offer an hourly capacity of 30 mt of bulk feeds for farm livestock. This increase to I’Anson’s production capacity is driven by strong demand from its 3,000 customers locally across northern England, nationally and internationally. The firm also exports to more than 40 countries worldwide. The planned expansion aims to extend the firm’s overseas reach.
Covering 23,000 square feet (2,140 square meters), the new facility will be built on an extension to the Dalton New Bridge industrial estate near Thirsk in North Yorkshire in the United Kingdom (UK). Headquarters of I’Anson will remain in nearby Masham. Here, production will focus on micronized ingredients, coarse diets and own-label feeds.
Cost of the new facility is estimated at GBP12 million (US$15.8 million), and it will lead to the creation of about 10 new jobs.
Investing for a sustainable future
“We are investing in the future of our business, and this new facility paves the way for us to not only meet the increasing demands of our existing customers,” said Chris I’Anson, chairman and managing director of I’Anson Brothers Ltd. “It also provides significant opportunities for future growth and allows us to continue being a proud supporter of the local economy.”
To ensure optimum operational and environmental efficiency, the new feed mill has been designed for energy efficiency. It incorporates the “best available techniques” (BAT). Computerized operation will precisely deliver ingredients, control the mixing process and optimize delivery routes. In addition, solar panels and heat pumps will make the best use of green energy sources.
As well as expanding production of bulk feeds, I’Anson expects the new facility to increase sales of its British Horse Feeds and The Golden Paste supplement range. In addition, it will be a center for new product development.
Once approval is granted, the company says work on the project will start immediately. Construction of the mill is expected to last for 18 months. Completion and commissioning are scheduled for 2022.
According to the firm’s website, I’Anson Brothers was founded in 1900. It is an independent, fourth-generation, family-owned and family-managed company with more than 70 employees, supplying high-quality livestock feeds from its factory in the market town of Masham, North Yorkshire, to customers across the U.K. and further afield.
In recent months, another Yorkshire-based feed company announced an expansion in production. Piglet and game bird specialist Primary Diets has relocated its warehouse to Ripon.
To find out the drivers likely to impact global feed production in 2020, check out two expert views in the current issue of Feed Strategy.
