Pilgrims UK has shown its commitment to British farming with the acquisition of Randall Parker Foods (RPF).
Two of RPF’s manufacturing facilities, an abattoir in Powys processing up to 20,000 lambs a week and a retail packing plant in Andover, will form part of Pilgrim’s UK’s Dalehead Foods division.
Dalehead Foods has supplied customers with lamb for more than 40 years and has worked with RPF for almost 30 years.
As a result of the acquisition, all 350 RPF employees, including its management teams, will remain in place under existing terms and conditions.
The business is also planning to invest further in the two sites.
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According to the company, this acquisition connects its lamb supply chain, bringing its farmers and customers closer together and capitalising on the popularity of British lamb with export customers.
“Randall Parker Foods has a strong reputation as a processor of quality lamb and having worked with Dalehead Foods for almost 30 of the 40 years we have been producing lamb products this acquisition is a natural fit for both organisations,” Pilgrims UK chief executive officer Andrew Cracknell said.
“It will bring our lamb operations closer together into a single integrated supply chain which will benefit team members and customers alike, securing jobs, investment and growth for a sustainable future.”
“We look forward to working even more closely with the RPF teams whose energy, experience and enthusiasm, combined with the highest quality livestock, will offer customers and consumers a first-class supply chain for British lamb.”
Randall Parker Foods chairman Ron Randall added “The shareholders of RPF are delighted to be able to confirm the acquisition and are so happy that the future of RPF will be secured and brighter, with the business in the safe hands of a company with the scope and resources of Pilgrim’s UK.’’
Jim Gaffney, managing director of RPF, will continue to oversee operations at the two sites.
He concluded: “I am delighted for the employees, customers and suppliers of RPF who have worked so hard to establish the company’s reputation as the preeminent specialist lamb processor in the UK.
“The future as part of Dalehead Foods looks both secure and exciting. I look forward to working with new colleagues and our customers to achieve our common goals.’”
Pilgrim’s UK recently announced revenue growth in 2020 in its latest annual report and accounts.
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