Equine specialist prepares for £1m expansion
AN equine breeding specialist is expanding its facilities in Shropshire as part of a £1.1m investment.
Stallion AI Services, based in Whitchurch, has been backed in its growth plan by NatWest.
For nearly 20 years, Stallion AI Services has been providing artificial insemination (AI) collection and storage services for a wide range of stallions including but not limited to show jumping, dressage and Arabian stallions at its state-of-the art centre and laboratory.
The firm offers a full range of services including semen collection, freezing and storage of semen, fertility testing, fresh and chilled semen distribution, training courses and sales of AI equipment.
Another element of the important work carried out at Stallion AI Services includes the preservation of rare breeds. The centre has collected and stored samples from 10 of the rarest horse breeds in the country. This year alone, the firm will support 100 clients from across the world with their semen distribution requirements.
Stallion AI Services’ work also includes species preservation for the wider animal community, having worked with Chester Zoo on a number of projects and just recently started talks with an organisation in southern Africa regarding the cryopreservation of elephant semen.
The expansion project includes relocation to a brand new purpose built laboratory, collection centre and offices along with the creation of a new riding arena and stabling for 36 stallions at any one time. It will see the centre become one of the biggest AI facilities in Europe upon completion. Stallion AI Services currently employs 16 staff and these numbers are likely to increase as a result of this expansion.
Tullis Matson, founder and managing director, said: “The expansion will help us continue to deliver on our commitment of being an all-purpose equine centre. The site already includes paddocks and a horse walker but the addition of the riding arena will mean we can host more events and develop the centre further.”
Mark Rafferty, Senior Relationship Manager at NatWest, said: “Stallion AI Services has a reputation for providing outstanding AI services to its clients from across the UK and the rest of the world. This expansion will further enhance the services provided by the business and we wish Stallion AI Services every success for the future.”
