Wool Marketing Board may close depots to cut cost

31 Jan '08

2 min read

Cost saving measures will involve the closure of depots in some UK regions it was announced by the British Wool Marketing Board at its annual conference.

For Welsh and Welsh Borders sheep farmers it will mean closure of the grading function at Bromyard, although there will continue to be a collection centre either at the existing premises or in the near vicinity.

In addition there will be reduction in staff at Brecon and Port Madoc while in Scotland the depot at Irvine will now be mainly used as a collection centre with grading continuing on a limited scale until the depot is closed.

With all the measures taken there should be no significant change in the service given to producers. Speaking at the conference in Bradford, chairman Frank Langrish said the board's internal strategy group had been involved in a thorough and detailed evaluation of potential cost savings measures over several months.

"It has been necessary to close our grading operation at Bromyard, make significant operational changes at Irvine and to reduce the staff at Brecon , Port Madoc and Muckamore in Northern Ireland.

"Inevitably further closures may be inevitable if the weight of wool being handled continues to decline. It's been a very difficult decision," said Mr Langrish who farms in Sussex

"We have also taken the decision to sell the existing Irvine depot because of the very high business rate in the locality. Collection centres in the area will be maintained," said Mr Langrish who farms in Sussex.

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