Countrywide Farmers announce feed chain partnership - UK - Countrywide Farmers, Britain’s biggest farming and rural supplies business, has announced the formation of a trading partnership through which Britain’s leading feed compounder, BOCM PAULS, will manufacture the Countrywide Farmer’s compound animal feed requirement.

Under the arrangement, it is proposed that the Melksham Mill will close, with the tonnes currently manufactured at the site being re-distributed between BOCM PAULS mills in the south. The plan is for bulk blower drivers to be transferred to BOCM PAULS with the remaining transport fleet, including bag lorries and bulk tippers, maintained and managed by CWF. In addition it is proposed that BOCM PAULS will lease CWF’s Presteigne Mill located on the Welsh borders and the Presteigne mill staff transferred to become employees of BOCM PAULS. The mill will continue to manufacture and distribute CWF feeds to CWF customers.

In a joint statement, commenting on the new partnership between the two companies, Countrywide Farmers’ Managing Director, John Hardman, and BOCM PAULS Chief Executive, Bill Mayne said:

“Countrywide Farmers and BOCM PAULS have formed this partnership because it plays to the considerable individual strengths of each business. It also recognises that as herds and flocks become fewer but larger, the supply industry has to respond and rationalise to maintain it’s profitability and efficiency.”

John Hardman further adds: “This partnership links the extensive farmer-customer base of Countrywide Farmers to the market-leading technical expertise in raw material sourcing, formulation and manufacture of BOCM PAULS. It is a big win for Countrywide Farmers’ customers as it enables them to benefit from cost efficiencies made available by the scale and expertise of BOCM PAULS while retaining the personal contact, service and product range that is all part of the Countrywide Farmers’ offer. It secures the supply of high quality compound rations that will continue to be offered alongside Countrywide Farmers’ extensive range of straights and alternative feeds.

“Cost efficiency allied to product quality are the key drivers in today’s competitive market place. This partnership between a major farmer-controlled business and the UK’s leading feed compounding company allows us to rationalise key areas such as transport and raw material purchase finding economies of scale which will help maintain value for money for our customers”.

“Countrywide Farmers will maintain its sales team and continue to specify its own branded rations as well as providing nutritional and technical support on farm. Customers will continue to talk to the same customer service team and will get the high level of service they have come to expect from Countrywide Farmers. As a result of this announcement there are likely to be some job losses, but we are working with BOCM PAULS and other local employers to help secure alternative job opportunities for our employees”

Bill Mayne concluded: “The fact that this partnership has been possible indicates the willingness of both parties to explore ways of delivering the very best service levels to our individual customers and at the same time achieve the control of costs that is so vital if we and our customers are going to survive in an increasingly competitive global market”.

Source: Countrywide Farmers - 17th May 2005