Sumo sells controlling share to crisps company founders

Yorkshire cultivation kit maker Sumo has sold a majority share of the business to the co-founders of Pipers Crisps and coffee brand Lincoln & York.

Company founder Shaun Wealleans handed over the reins to Simon Herring and James Sweeting on 21 April.

See also: Sumo DTS drill and Strake straw rake

Mr Herring, a Lincolnshire farmer’s son, will take on the role of managing director, while Mr Sweeting from Howden, East Yorkshire, will become a non-executive director.

Company founder Shaun Wealleans with non-executive director James Sweeting (left) and managing director Simon Herring (right).

Company founder Shaun Wealleans with non-executive director James Sweeting (left) and managing director Simon Herring (right).

Mr Wealleans will continue to be heavily involved in the company taking on the role of technical director and heading the design team.

“We are 100% committed to upholding the reputation that we have gained for our machines and service backup,” said Mr Wealleans. “We can assure both current and potential customers that this will only be strengthened by the new partnership.”

Business partners Simon Herring and James Sweeting founded coffee company Lincoln & York in 1994. The business employs 65 people and sources, roasts and packs coffee from its headquarters in North Lincolnshire.

The pair also founded Pipers Crisps in 2004, which has become a well-known name in the world of gourmet crisps. 

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