ANIMAL feed manufacturer, I'Anson Brothers, has completed the purchase of a prime 13-acre prime employment site at Dalton New Bridge (DNB).

I’Anson based in Masham will shortly begin the construction of a state-of-the-art 23,000sq ft feed mill and new site service road at Dalton New Bridge.

Managing director Chris I’Anson, great grandson of Christopher I’Anson who founded the company in 1900, said: “This is very significant investment for our company and is the major part of our strategy to secure 50-year further growth for the longer-term sustainability of our business and the future generations of our employees, customers and family.”

Lindsay Ross, spokesman for DNB, said: “I’Anson is a long-established and reputable North Yorkshire business and we are very pleased to see their move to Dalton New Bridge. The new mill will be a local landmark.”

The mill, which received planning permission from Hambleton District Council last year, represents the largest investment in I’Anson’s history. The sale price was undisclosed.

I’Anson’s headquarters will remain in Masham, where it will continue to manufacture an extensive range of micronised feeds, speciality rations and horse feeds. The new facility at Dalton will focus on the production of bulk farm feeds and create up to 20 new jobs in addition to the 90-strong existing workforce.

This is the first major sale at the new 66-acre Dalton New Bridge, which is now open for business. The estate is located within the region’s A1/A19 Strategic Growth Corridor and is a proven successful home for manufacturing, food, engineering and distribution businesses.

Lindsay Ross said: “This deal is a resounding endorsement of the quality of our development site at Dalton New Bridge. These are challenging times for the property market, but I’Anson’s commitment to our site is a timely reminder that deals are still being done and business is not idly sitting by."

The site has recently been opened up by a significant £4.1m highway redevelopment project, involving a new bridge, replacing its ageing, flood-blighted predecessor. This bridge scheme was funded by a unique public/private partnership between the existing businesses at Dalton, DNB and Hambleton District Council, together with the North Yorkshire LEP, NYCC and the Environment Agency.

Leader of Hambleton District Council Cllr Mark Robson said: “This is great news. As Leader of the council I am delighted to welcome I’Anson Brothers to Hambleton. It’s always good to see businesses thriving and expanding especially in the current challenging climate."