KNOCKMORE based AB Agri Ltd feed millers has been bought by Belfast producer John Thompson & Sons which says it plans to continue operating the Knockmore plant in its present form.
AB Agri Litd. is a feed milling business
The General Manager of AB Agri said the purchase by John Thompson and Sons is 'a good fit' in terms of both culture and research based product range.
"The acquisition will improve efficiency of food production and high quality on-farm support which will enable us to increase value to the producer," Mr. Alan Ashenhurst added.
Thompsons Managing Director Declan Billington said the Lisburn firm's product range and staff were held in 'high regard' by his company.
"This acquisition will help us build upon the combined strengths of both businesses to better support local farmers as they face the challenges of a rapidly changing global market place," he continued.
"I am confident that the combined operations, which will permit specialisation at the Belfast and Knockmore locations, will bring significant benefit to the farming industry as well as securing the immediate business future of the newly expanded company."
Thompsons also said it believes the acquisition will enhance its competitiveness in an increasingly pressurised all-Ireland market.
It says combined operations will meet a wider set of customer needs through their offering of high value feeds, tailored blends, alternative feeds and a range of on-farm solutions that will 'encompass nutritional and technical support'.
It has already invested over £2m in state of the art blending and packing equipment at its Belfast facility and said its acquisition of AB Agri's compound business further underlined its commitment to provide 'a world class, modern and efficient service to farmers.'
The full article contains 284 words and appears in Ulster Star newspaper.
