Randall Parker Foods’ two manufacturing facilities – an abattoir in Powys up to 20,000 lambs a week and a retail packing plant in Andover – will form part of Pilgrim’s UK’s Dalehead Foods division.

All 350 RPF employees, including its management teams, will remain in place under existing terms and conditions, with the business planning to invest further in the two sites.

Pilgrim’s UK recently announced revenue growth in 2020 in its latest annual report and accounts, helping the business move into profit after several consecutive years of losses.

Abattoirs vitally important to the Welsh sheep sector

NFU Cymru Livestock Board Chairman Wyn Evans said: “We’re pleased to see the commitment from the new owners to invest in the plant in Llanidloes and that Pilgrims UK have committed to taking on all Randall Parker employees. Lamb suppliers have an excellent relationship with Randall Parker, along with Pilgrims UK’s Dalehead Foods division, and we look forward to this continuing now that Pilgrims has acquired Randall Parker.   

“Abattoirs are vitally important to the Welsh sheep sector and this site has built up excellent relationships with farmers in Wales and is an important employer in Mid Wales. I’d like to thank Randall Parker for their commitment to the sector and we now look to Pilgrims taking this on and pleased to see commitment to invest in the plant.

Plans for the future

“NFU Cymru looks forward to working with Pilgrims UK going forward to the benefit of the Welsh sheep sector. We hope to meet with Pilgrims UK in the near future to discuss their plans and how we can work together to the benefit of the whole supply chain.”  

Andrew Cracknell, Chief Executive Officer at Pilgrim’s UK, said: “Randall Parker Foods has a strong reputation as a processor of quality lamb and having worked with Dalehead Foods for almost 30 of the 40 years we have been producing lamb products this acquisition is a natural fit for both organisations.

“It will bring our lamb operations closer together into a single integrated supply chain which will benefit team members and customers alike, securing jobs, investment and growth for a sustainable future.

“We look forward to working even more closely with the RPF teams whose energy, experience and enthusiasm, combined with the highest quality livestock, will offer customers and consumers a first-class supply chain for British lamb.”

Ron Randall, Chairman of Randall Parker Foods Limited, commented: “The shareholders of RPF are delighted to be able to confirm the acquisition and are so happy that the future of RPF will be secured and brighter, with the business in the safe hands of a company with the scope and resources of Pilgrim’s UK.’’