The move would mark a significant change in strategic direction for the firm, which is one of the UK’s largest suppliers of pig and poultry compound feed.
According to Poultry News, the development was revealed to employees last week, with the Peterborough-based company saying it had made an “incredibly difficult decision” about the future of its UK monogastric compound feed business.
The planned withdrawal comes as the firm continues to implement a restructuring plan following the sale of its Fridaythorpe feed mill in East Yorkshire to Cranswick last year.
Earlier this year, ABN also said it was “reviewing other sites” within its manufacturing network as it looked for ways to optimise its operations following the loss of a major supply contract.
The business has yet to provide details of a timetable for its withdrawal from the monogastric feed market, or whether it is in discussions with potential buyers.
It has, however, said it “remains committed” to maintaining continuity of supply while it explores options for its remaining mills, including divestment.
ABN said that throughout the process, its priority would be to support its staff through open and responsible communication, while providing certainty wherever possible for customers, colleagues and others connected with the business.
“We have taken an incredibly difficult decision about the future of our UK monogastric compound feed business, ABN. Our intention for ABN is to exit this industry. This means exploring options, including divestment, for our remaining ABN mills.
“This decision follows careful consideration of the long-term changes affecting the UK monogastric compound feed market. Throughout this process, our priority will be to support our people, communicate openly and responsibly, and provide certainty wherever possible.”
They continued: “We are committed to maintaining continuity of supply and delivering for our customers while we work towards the best possible outcome for our mills, our colleagues and all those connected to the business.”
