Harbro buys Cargill animal nutrition business in Dalton

Harbro has acquired Cargill Animal Nutrition & Health’s business in Dalton, North Yorkshire, in a move that will expand the company’s UK feed manufacturing capacity and strengthen its position in the animal nutrition market.

The acquisition includes Cargill’s Dalton feed plant and associated operations, bringing an established manufacturing facility and additional technical expertise into the Harbro Group.

The deal represents an important step in Harbro’s wider growth strategy, with the company looking to broaden its product offering, strengthen its supply chain and increase its capabilities in nutrition, manufacturing, innovation and animal performance.

See also: Major compounder ABN set to exit monogastric feed sector

However, the financial terms of the acquisition have not been disclosed.

The Dalton facility has been developed over many years, first under Provimi and subsequently Cargill, with a strong focus on manufacturing standards, quality, compliance and operational excellence.

Harbro says it intends to continue investing in both the site and its people, maintaining high standards of safety, regulatory compliance and nutritional expertise.

A key focus of the acquisition will be combining the technical knowledge and capabilities of both businesses.

Harbro says the enlarged operation will allow it to develop new nutritional solutions and technologies for livestock farmers and customers across the UK.

The two companies also share an emphasis on long-term relationships with customers and suppliers.

Harbro believes bringing the Dalton operation into the group will create further opportunities for customers, partners and employees while strengthening its supply chain.

Integration ‘by early 2027’

Cargill’s Dalton business will initially continue to operate as a separate company while Harbro and Cargill teams work together to integrate systems and processes. The integration is expected to be completed by early 2027.

The acquisition will also be supported by the appointment of Simon Heath to Harbro’s leadership team.

Mr Heath, formerly managing director and chief commercial officer at AB Agri, will lead the integration of the Dalton business and support Harbro’s wider growth strategy.

Chris Baxter © Harbro Group

Harbro CEO Chris Baxter said the Dalton team’s expertise and high standards made the business a strong fit for Harbro and would enable the company to expand its offering and strengthen customer relationships.

“By combining the strengths of both teams, we are excited to enhance our nutritional solutions and support improved performance for farmers, wholesale partners and the wider livestock industry,” he added.