I’Anson Brothers Ltd. has begun work to construct a new £20m production facility, the largest investment in its 120-year history.

Work to construct the access road for the mill at Dalton New Bridge, the next phase of the Dalton Industrial Estate in North Yorkshire, has commenced after Hambleton District Council planning committee gave unanimous approval for the project earlier this year. The road construction contract has been awarded to the HACS construction group of nearby Harrogate.

The ultramodern facility has been designed to be as energy efficient as possible and will be one of the most technologically advanced feed mills in Europe. The increased production capacity will complement the firm’s existing plant at Masham and enable it to meet growing demand from existing customers, secure new orders, expand its export operations and continue to be a major supplier to the agriculture sector.

I’Anson currently employs 90 people from the local community and this latest investment will maintain the existing workforce and also create additional jobs at the new production facility with more expected to follow as the company grows in the future.

Chairman and Managing Director Chris I’Anson said today:

“We are delighted to have begun work on what represents a significant milestone in the history of the business and a continuation of our commitment to North Yorkshire.

This is a fitting way to celebrate our 120th anniversary as a business and as the single biggest investment in our history, lays down a marker for our ambition and future growth as a proud Yorkshire firm, exporter and employer.

Leader of Hambleton District Council, Cllr Mark Robson, commented:

“Having one of the most advanced feed mills in Europe based in Hambleton – on an expanding Dalton estate – is great news for the district.

Not only will it bring with it new jobs, it will also boost our local economy. Dalton Industrial Estate is an ideal location with its great transport links and access to world class businesses.

Construction of the mill itself is expected to last for 18 months, with completion and commissioning scheduled for the autumn of 2022.

Founded in Masham in 1900, I’Anson has grown to become a leader in the production of animal feeds and has been based at its current mill for the past six decades. It supports many customers regionally, nationally and internationally, exporting its specialist horse feed products to around 40 countries worldwide.

The business’s headquarters will remain in Masham, where it will continue to manufacture an extensive range of micronized feeds, specialty rations and horse feeds. The new facility will focus on the production of bulk farm feeds.