Masham-based animal feed manufacturer I’Anson Brothers has completed the purchase of a prime 13-acre prime employment site at Dalton New Bridge (DNB), a pioneering commercial and industrial development in North Yorkshire
I’Anson will shortly begin the construction of a state-of-the-art 23,000 sq ft feed mill and new site service road at Dalton New Bridge.
The sale price was undisclosed.
Managing director Chris I’Anson (great grandson of Christopher I’Anson who founded the company in 1900) said: “This is very significant investment for our company and is the major part of our strategy to secure 50-year further growth for the longer term sustainability of our business and the future generations of our employees, customers and family.”
Lindsay Ross, spokesman for DNB, said that: “I’Anson is a long established and reputable North Yorkshire business and we are very pleased to see their move to Dalton New Bridge. The new mill will be a local landmark.”
The mill, which received planning permission from Hambleton District Council last year, represents the largest investment in I’Anson’s history.
I’Anson’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 at Dalton will focus on the production of bulk farm feeds and create up to 20 new jobs in addition to the 90 strong existing workforce.
This is the first major sale at the new 66-acre Dalton New Bridge, which is now open for business. The estate is located within the region’s A1 / A19 Strategic Growth Corridor and is a proven successful home for manufacturing, food, engineering and distribution businesses.
Lindsay Ross commented: “This deal is a resounding endorsement of the quality of our development site at Dalton New Bridge. These are challenging times for the property market, but I’Anson’s commitment to our site is a timely reminder that deals are still being done and business is not idly sitting by.
“Dalton New Bridge is so close to both the A1 and A19 and, enhanced by the new access road into the site, is a very exciting development opportunity, which is already providing positive support to the Hambleton and North Yorkshire economies and will ultimately create hundreds of jobs and lead to valuable inward investment. There are few sites of this size available in the region.
“On a personal level, I have worked at Dalton for more than 30 years and know from first-hand experience what a first-class logistics and distribution location we can provide. The immediate access to both the A1(M) and the A19 is priceless, connecting swiftly to Yorkshire’s excellent motorway network of the A1(M), the M1 and the M62. It’s access all areas of the compass,” he said.
The site has recently been opened up by a significant £4.1m highway redevelopment project, involving a new bridge, replacing its ageing, flood-blighted predecessor. This bridge scheme was funded by a unique public/private partnership between the existing businesses at Dalton, DNB and Hambleton District Council, together with the North Yorkshire LEP, NYCC and the Environment Agency.
Chris I’Anson explained: “We explored a number of sites before making our decision but Dalton New Bridge won hands-down with its combination of location, proximity to the motorway network and the existence nearby of other world-class manufacturing businesses.”
Leader of Hambleton District Council Cllr Mark Robson said: “This is great news. As Leader of the council I am delighted to welcome I’Anson Brothers to Hambleton. It’s always good to see businesses thriving and expanding especially in the current challenging climate.
“Dalton is perfectly placed to offer excellent opportunities for ease of distribution and access for expanding companies as well as offering a unique opportunity size wise. I hope this is the first of many more businesses who choose to take advantage of everything this new site has to offer.”
Mike Dove, partner with Leeds-based property consultants Dove Haigh Philipps (DHP), who are marketing Dalton New Bridge, commented: “This is one of the premier new development sites in Yorkshire. It has tremendous potential, with immediate access to the national motorway network, recently improved by multi-million pound highway upgrades. A proven location has just got even better.”
The location is already home to successful engineering, manufacturing and distribution companies with nearby occupiers including Inspired Pet Nutrition, National Tube Stockholders (NTS), Severfield PLC, Greif Flexibles, Firmenich, Cargil Plc and The Wetherby Group.
Land is available on a freehold basis with plots on offer from five to 53 acres.
Mr Dove explained: “A significant feature of this site is its size, unique in North Yorkshire. Dalton New Bridge can accommodate major projects comprising larger developments, large-scale facilities and sites appealing to developers and occupiers alike.”
