WYNNSTAY, the agricultural supplies group, has acquired Humphrey Feeds & Pullets.
Humphrey Feeds & Pullets, based in Hampshire, supplies poultry feed and point-of-lay pullets to farmers, mainly in the south of England.
See also: Smaller flock pushes egg prices up again
The business manufacture about 110,000 tonnes of poultry feed annually from a mill in Twyford, Hampshire, and has an unused facility in Calne, Wiltshire.
The acquisition complements the group’s current growth strategy and further develops Wynnstay’s presence in the south of England and within the poultry feed sector.
Wynnstay intends to redevelop the Calne site into a modern 185,000t-capacity mill, manufacturing both poultry and ruminant feed, in addition to organic-certified feeds.
Subsidiary
The business will continue to operate as Humphrey Feeds & Pullets, now as a subsidiary of Wynnstay Group Plc, with Neil Richardson remaining as managing director and Martin Humphrey continuing in the role of sales director.
Gareth Davies, chief executive of Wynnstay Group, said: “We believe that this will be an excellent acquisition for Wynnstay.
“Humphrey is a long-established, family-owned business, with an 85-year history, which prides itself on ‘advancing poultry performance’.
Feed
“It makes a highly complementary addition to the group and should be capable of being readily integrated.”
“The acquisition will significantly extend our trading footprint in the South of England, enlarge our market share of poultry feed, a key target sector for us, increase our feed manufacturing capacity, and bring additional farmer customers.”
“Looking further ahead, with the redevelopment of the Calne manufacturing facility into a ruminant as well as poultry mill, there is scope to drive additional significant long-term trading benefits.”
‘Business as usual’
Neil Richardson, managing director of Humphrey Feeds & Pullets, added: “There will be no change in the day-to-day operation and management of the business, and customers will see no change in the excellent products and service they provide. It is very much ‘business as usual’.
We will continue to operate out of Twyford in Hampshire, with the manufacturing of feed continuing until the Calne site is fully redeveloped, to a state-of-the-art facility, which is anticipated being fully commissioned in 2024.”
‘Consolidation’
Martin Humphrey, sales director Humphrey Feeds & Pullets, said: “The poultry sector continues to consolidate with the increased demands of retailers and packers.
“Therefore, it is essential we continue to develop as a business, ensuring we invest in new technology, product development and operational efficiency.
“To achieve this, we require a like-minded investor.
“As a subsidiary of Wynnstay Group, we will be able to capitalise on the strengths of both businesses and further strengthen our brand, ensuring that we remain a market leader for advanced poultry performance, for many years to come.”
