Bedmax to open a third plant

Jun 19 2008 by Karen Dent, The Journal

HORSE bedding maker Bedmax is opening a third plant to boost production by almost a third.

The company, based in Belford, Northumberland, will begin producing its virtually dust-free wood shavings from a new site near Andover in Hampshire in the autumn to improve supply in the south of the country.

Set up in 2000 and now employing 30 people, the business also produces its British pine shavings from a factory in Newark, Notts. The two existing plants make around 1.5 million bags of shavings annually. Managing director Tim Smalley said: “By opening a third plant, we are aiming to keep up with the growing demand for Bedmax.

“I am interpreting this demand as a rubber stamp on our efforts to improve the economics and quality of horse bedding.”

Bedmax is now the leading brand in its field and supplies bedding to a number of top equestrian events, including Royal Ascot, the Badminton, Burghley and Gatcombe horse trials and to the Hong Kong Jockey Club. The product is also exported across Europe.

Five years’ supply of the Royal Stud at Sandringham recently earned the business a Royal Warrant of appointment from the Queen.

Said Mr Smalley: “This honour is a credit to the very hard work, dedication and commitment to all of the Bedmax staff. We look forward to continuing to supply the Royal Stud at Sandringham for many years to come.”