It began almost 60 years ago as a 'one woman venture' into farm diversification in rural Peeblesshire and has become one of Scotland's most successful business with net assets of £81 million, annual turnover of £53 million and a newly posted profit for the year of more than £5 million.
John and Catherine Campbell moved into Glenrath Farm, near Lamancha, in 1959 to rear sheep and beef cattle. Now Sir John and Lady Catherine own 5,000 acres of land and their company Glenrath Farms Ltd. produces more than a million eggs per day.
The company's website tells how "Cathy Campbell diversified into egg production. Cathy reared hens, gathered eggs and delivered the eggs door to door. The egg business expanded due to the demand for good quality locally produced eggs. The business has grown with the Campbell family and is proud to employ 220 people."
The Campbells are now in their eighties but remain leading directors of Glenrath Farms which is still very much a family business. In fact three generations of Campbells are involved in running one of the largest egg producing organisations in the United Kingdom.
In his latest annual report for the 12 months to May 2018 Sir John writes: "I am pleased to report on another sound financial performance, During the year our profits were £5.15 million before tax which is a reduction of 18.43% compared to the previous year.
"Despite the reduction I do feel given the present economic climate and market circumstances this is a very good result."
The report shows Glenrath's net assets have grown by six per cent to £81.492 million.
But Sir John explains: "We have not revalued our business assets for many years now and our land holdings would have increased in value significantly. The company owns and farms in excess of 5,000 acres".
He adds that the latest results were achieved in a very competitive market.
"We claim to be perhaps one of the most successful egg production and packing companies in the UK. Over 80% of our egg sales are produced in-house, the rest are produced by our loyal contracted suppliers..
"In the market place competition continues to grow. Smaller packers selling to larger retailers continue to be very competitive. Fortunately the Group remains in a very strong position to compete in the market place and we are reacting to the challenges we face".
Colony or cage production of eggs is set to cease in the UK and the rest of Europe by 2025. The Campbells intend replacing colony production with so-called barn production, a move which will cost £25 per bird.
Sir John's chairman's report says: "Our substantial investment in our processing facility has proved to be a sound investment. Weekly tonnage in the last twelve months has increased significantly utilising our second quality eggs. The liquid egg market is extremely competitive. We have further invested in this part of the business during the year".
Glenrath Farms has also invested in state of the art egg
grading machinery. The egg grader has 10 cameras which detects and rejects eggs
with defects.
No comments:
Post a Comment