DUNGANNON-based gardening manufacturer Westland Horticulture Limited has announced a multi-million pound investment which it says will enable it to diversify into new markets and achieve significant growth in the coming years.
The £18million acquisition of Cranswick Pet Products, which was financed by Northern Bank, will see Westland Horticulture expand further into the wild bird category and move into the small animal markets with the purchase of Cranswick Pet Products.
Established in 1988, Westland Horticulture Limited is one of the UK’s largest producers and distributors of garden products to retail and industry, with over 400 staff across its UK and Ireland operations and a now has a consolidated annual turnover of over £100million. While its core business is centred on growing media such as peat and composts, the company has also developed a wide range of ancillary garden products such as lawn treatments and seed, plant food, weed killers and mulches.
Edward Conroy, Joint Managing Director of Westland Horticulture, said that the latest development follows on from the company’s successful bid into the wild bird market earlier this year with the launch of its ‘Peckish’ bird feed product. “We see the wild bird care market as being one of the most dynamic, forward-thinking and exciting consumer product sectors in our industry and have already seen Peckish make huge strides in this category in the past few months.
“The purchase of Cranswick Pet Products and its brands, including Bucktons and Nature’s Feast, is the perfect complement to our existing business.
“As a leading company in the consumer gardening sector, our aim is to make gardening more accessible and enjoyable to people of all ages and this acquisition reinforces this strategy, enabling us continue delivering unique products that make the garden a more diverse and interesting environment.”
Northern Bank corporate acquisition manager Rory Clarke praised the firm’s commitment to growth: “Westland Horticulture is an excellent example of a company which is diversifying into new markets in a bid to grow further and this has never been more important, as local businesses strive to achieve sustainable economic recovery and growth,” he said.
“Northern Bank is delighted to have been able to support Westland Horticulture, which is recognised as being one of Northern Ireland’s top indigenous companies, with a strong record for profitable growth and innovation.”
Westland head of finance Scott Dougherty said the acquisition would further strengthen the company’s position as one of the UK’s fastest growing companies in consumer gardening.
“This acquisition comes at a time when our market share has hit an all-time high of 33 per cent and Cranswick Pet Products’ sales have increased by more than 10 per cent to over £41 million in the past three years alone,” he said.
“By putting these two well-established, trusted brands together, we see a great depth and strength in knowledge, expertise and innovation that will enable us to continue growing in future years.”