I’Anson appoints commercial director ahead of £20m mill opening

UK-based animal feed manufacturer I’Anson Bros has appointed Andrew Richardson as its new commercial director following the opening of its new £20m+ feed mill and distribution centre.

Richardson has “extensive” experience within the agri, retail, equine/leisure and fuel sectors having previously held the roles of managing director and group CEO at two other “major” agri supply companies.

He will take up his new post at the beginning of March as Waterloo House, the firm’s “technologically-advanced” new production facility, prepares to go into production.

The appointment bolsters the senior management team allowing director Will I’Anson, who previously fulfilled the role, to “focus on procurement as the business grows”.

Designed and constructed by Dutch milling industry specialists, Ottevanger with machinery installation by Game Engineering, mill wiring by Apex Electrical, groundworks by HACS of Harrogate and site wiring by Preston Electrical, the facility is located on the Dalton Industrial Park in North Yorkshire.

According to I’Anson, the mill has been designed to be “as energy efficient as possible and with the least environmental impact”.

It will complement the firm’s existing facility at Masham and is the “largest” financial investment in the 120+ year history of the company.

It is set to more than double production capacity by an additional 200,000 tonnes, and has the opportunity through its design to increase capacity significantly further “to meet market demands”.

Richardson said: “I have spent my working life in the animal feed and agri business industry, and this ground-breaking development by I’Anson is one of the most exciting and forward-looking initiatives I have ever seen in the sector. With its latest technology and location, this investment will bring further serious advantages to its growing farm customers and business partners. I have long known and admired the business, not just for the quality of its products, but for the values it has, its commitment to the farming industry and its contribution to the wider rural economy.

“I am delighted to have been offered the opportunity to be part of such a significant and important project, and look forward to working with the team to make it an outstanding success. The new mill will deliver real benefits for customers, providing security of supply, the ability to meet growing demand and the development of new products to mention just a few. Increased production will also require more raw materials providing additional opportunities for arable farmers.”

He added: “I’Anson also has the sales divisions Masham Micronized Feeds, British Horse Feeds and The Golden Paste Company. Sales from these divisions are diverse, unique and innovative. Selling in more than 40 countries both branded and contracted ‘own label’ is an incredible strength to the business and one I’m looking forward to further developing with the sales teams and strategic feed partners.”