Wilson Agriculture Expands In Coleraine

Wilson Agriculture (Wilson Agri), a Coleraine based manufacturer of dairy cow comfort products have announced a new £275,000 expansion plan.

The expansion, which will increase export sales was announced today by Andrew Wilson, the company’s Managing Director and is being supported by Invest NI.

The investment is expected to provide four new jobs by the end of next year and will see the company develop its first range of equine comfort products for a market opportunity it has identified.

Mr Wilson, outlining the expansion plan, said: ”We manufacture and supply a range of branded products, including special stalls, mats and pillows, that help farmers to increase milk production by improving comfort and safety for dairy cows. Dairy farmers everywhere are now facing intense pressure on margins and are recognising increasingly that yields rise significantly when their animals are housed in conditions that enable them to lie down safely and prevent potentially very costly conditions such as lameness and mastitis.”

Established in 1999, Wilson Agri is a family run business with its headquarters and manufacturing operations in Coleraine and an office in Bristol. Its main products are established brands such as Pasture Mats, Poly Pillow and stall cubicles. It exports over 60 per cent of its cow comfort products to customers in Great Britain and the Republic of Ireland.

Mr Wilson added: “As a result, demand for the cow pillows and mats that we have developed for farmers over many years is growing steadily. This investment includes substantial expenditure on marketing, assisted by Invest NI that will enable us to take advantage of new business opportunities, particularly in Great Britain and the Republic of Ireland.

"The investment will also enable us to diversify our portfolio by introducing a new product, Stable Comfort, aimed at the vast equestrian marketplace that builds on our experience in, and knowledge of, the dairy sector.

"There are over two million horses in Great Britain and the Republic of Ireland, each requiring six mats.”

The company currently employs six people.

(SB/SP)