New investment at growing Melton agricultural business

Paul Towns Agriculture, in Agriculture House, Scalford Station, has built the £500,000 facility to broaden the services it offers to farmers.

The new facility, which provides three processing lines to roll animal feed, to toast specialist wheats and to clean oats for bird food. was officially opened by Melton MP Alicia Kearns through a special video link.

She said: “I am delighted to support Paul Towns Agriculture as they seek new premium markets for local farmers building on the reputation of Melton Mowbray as the Rural Capital of Food.

“Paul Towns Agriculture is now working flat out to send vital grain products wherever they are needed to keep the nation fed.

She added: “This business is a shining example of why those of us in Melton Mowbray should be proud of our vital role to the nation’s economy and its people, particularly in this great national effort.”

Paul Towns, managing director, who with wife Helen established the business 15 years ago on the former Scalford Tractors site and which employs 10 members of staff, said: “Once consumers of grain would receive raw grain and clean and prepare it themselves.

“But increasingly these customers are now demanding that grain is delivered to ever higher specifications.

Mr Towns added: “ Our investment will add value for Melton farmers who can deliver their grain into our store at premium rates.

“We are particularly pleased that much of the rolled grains produced here will be fed to cows farmed locally to produce Stilton Cheese.

“This means reduced road miles and fewer lorries on our roads.”