The move followed the acquisition of Randall Parker Food’s (RPF’s) two manufacturing sites in Llanidloes and Andover last year, which have been incorporated into the new business unit.
Pilgrim’s UK Lamb becomes part of the Fresh business unit and will be headed by managing director Lee Rampling. Jim Gaffney, former managing director of Randall Parker, will lead the lamb business.
Integrating RPF sites
Rampling, said: “A huge amount of work has gone into integrating the RPF sites into the wider Pilgrim’s UK organisation and it is a testament to the RPF teams’ passion and commitment that has seen the project go so well.
“The move brings 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.”
Pilgrim’s UK Lamb officially launched at the Royal Welsh Show at the showground in Llanelwedd. The event saw Pilgrim’s UK Lamb showcase its lamb products and hold meetings with key industry stakeholders including representatives from the National Farmers Union (NFU) and Hybu Cig Cymru (HCC).
‘New era’
Gaffney added: “It was great to get our first official outing as Pilgrim’s UK Lamb Ltd under our belts to usher in a new era for us all.
“Customers and suppliers know our reputation is based on being the premier specialist lamb processor in the UK. The Royal Welsh Show was the perfect opportunity to come together with our vital Welsh farmers to show them the exciting opportunities ahead.
“Thanks to this relationship with Pilgrim’s UK our reputation in the industry will grow further and we’re excited to bring our Welsh farmers with us on this journey.”
Meanwhile, Pilgrim’s announced it was to invest more than £10m into sustainability projects over the next twelve months.
