Cranswick establishes presence in Northern Ireland

Cranswick, one of the UK's biggest pork processors, has established a significant presence in Northern Ireland with the acquisition of Dunbia Ballymena.

Dunbia Ballymena is described as a leading Northern Irish pork processing business which currently employs 360 people and processes around 7,800 UK farm assured pigs a week. In the year to March 29, revenues were £72.4m. 

Cranswick said it operates from a modern, purpose built facility in Country Antrim, Northern Ireland and has a strategic, well-established supply chain with strong links to the local farming community.

The Hull-based company which operates a number of plants across England and Wales has acquired the whole of the issued share capital of Dunbia Ballymena for cash. The transaction will be funded from Cranswick’s existing debt facilities and is expected to be earnings neutral in the current financial year but to enhance earnings in the following financial year. 

Cranswick said the acquisition enhances its pig processing capability and establishes a significant presence in Northern Ireland.

Jack Dobson, executive director of Dunbia Limited, will support Ballymena in a consultancy capacity to help ensure a smooth transition.

Adam Couch, CEO of Cranswick, said: "This acquisition strengthens our UK pork processing business and provides us with greater control over our supply chain, ensuring that we can maintain the production and processing of high quality, UK farm assured, pigs which is central to our customer’s requirements.

“The management at Ballymena have created long lasting and sustained supply chain relationships and we look forward to building on this and continuing to invest in the facilities, and the team, over the years ahead."