Integrated pig and poultry production and processing business Cranswick has agreed to purchase the ABN feed mill at Fridaythorpe near Driffield in East Yorkshire to increase its feed milling capacity. The deal, for an undisclosed sum, is expected to complete in mid-September after a period of employee consultation.
The Fridaythorpe mill was owned by Dalgety until 1998, when it was acquired by the Associated British Foods (ABF) business Fishers Feeds and Grain. ABF subsequently integrated the facility into the ABN monogastric feed business within its AB Agri division.
Cranswick says it intends to invest in and develop the mill and anticipates that all current employees will transfer to the new owner.
“Cranswick has invested heavily in pig and poultry production capability over the past 10 years and already operates three animal feed mills in Norfolk, Suffolk and Lincolnshire,” notes the company. “The acquisition of the Fridaythorpe mill provides further capability in the production of pig feed aligned to Cranswick’s commitment to invest in and develop its British farming operations.”
Managing director of AB Agri Mono UK & IE Dino Kiriakopoulos says the divestment is a positive move for all parties that will help secure a long-term relationship with a significant and growing UK integrator.
“While I am sad to be handing over such a highly valued team, I am confident this agreement will strengthen Fridaythorpe’s production capabilities and solidify a long-term partnership,” he says. “More importantly, it ensures consistent and reliable feed production for customers in the north moving forward.”
Mr Kiriakopoulos adds that ABN’s commercial strategy is to position the company as the preferred third-party feed partner to key UK monogastric integrators. This approach has seen the business grow its customer partnership with Cranswick, with feed volumes doubling over the last five years.