Green light for animal feed mill as contracts signed for £20m development

I’Anson Brothers Ltd, an independent animal feed manufacturer, has taken the next step in the biggest investment in its 120-year history, signing contracts for work to start on constructing its £20m mill at Dalton New Bridge.

The ultramodern facility has been designed to be as energy efficient as possible and will be one of the most technologically advanced feed mills in Europe.

Its increased production capacity will complement the firm’s existing plant at Masham and enable it to meet growing demand from existing customers, secure new orders, expand its export operations and continue to be a major supplier to the agriculture sector.

The investment will maintain the existing workforce and also create additional jobs at the new production facility, which is scheduled for completion in the summer of 2023, with more expected employment to follow as the company grows in future.

Contracts have now been signed with the business’s banking partner, HSBC UK.

The business has also appointed Ottevanger Milling Engineers, a Dutch company that specialises in the design and build of feed mills, to deliver the Dalton New Bridge development.

Christopher I’Anson, great-grandfather of the current directors, started the company when he acquired a small agricultural business and a banking agency – that eventually became the Midland, then HSBC – in the centre of Masham and opened the doors to customers for the first time on July 15, 1900.

In doing so, he became the first Midland Bank manager in the town.

I’Anson Bros has remained loyal to its Masham roots, currently employing 90 people at its manufacturing facility on the edge of the town and its distribution centre at Melmerby.

It has annual revenues of more than £45m, supplying farming and equine customers nationally and in more than 40 countries worldwide.

With work due to begin on the site, Chris I’Anson is to become executive chairman of the business, focusing on the development and delivery of the project at Dalton.

His sister, Sarah Richardson, will assume the role of managing director, working alongside brother and sales director, Will I’Anson, whose focus will remain on sales and raw material purchasing across each of I’Anson’s sites.

Chris I’Anson said: “We are delighted to have completed the deal that will enable us to start work in earnest on the new production facility.

“Construction of the mill complex itself will begin towards the end of the year once the essential groundworks have been completed.

“As the single biggest investment in our history, the new mill will take the business to the next level, offering great benefits to our customers, employees and the wider economy.

“It is particularly special to be working with HSBC UK on this project as it continues a remarkable relationship between the two businesses.

“I am sure it would give our great-grandfather a wry smile of satisfaction to see this connection has been continued as part of securing a sustainable and successful future for the business as the fifth generation of the family begin their careers here.”

Erik Ottevanger, director at Ottevanger Milling Engineers, added: “This is an achievement that we are especially proud of, given this project was agreed between the fourth generation of two family-run businesses with a long heritage in the animal feed industry.

“Now we look forward to realising this strategic project in the UK and helping I’Anson consolidate its position in both the domestic and export markets.”

I’Anson’s headquarters will remain in Masham, where it will continue to manufacture a range of micronized feeds, specialty rations and horse feeds. The new facility will focus on the production of bulk farm feeds.

Legal advice on the transaction was provided to I’Anson Brothers by Knights plc and to HSBC UK by Pinsent Masons.