John Thompson established an animal feed supply company in Belfast in the 1880s, quickly earning the slogan ‘Pioneers of better feedingstuffs’, which still applies to the Company today.

In 1906 John Thompson moved the business to Donegall Quay where it developed steadily, with a pioneering spirit, through difficult times including being bombed during the blitz in 1940.

John Thompson and Sons Ltd have now been manufacturing animal feed for over 100 years

gaining many ISO quality standards and HACCP accreditations and still remains as the largest mill site in the British Isles. They are committed to the Northern Ireland Agri-food industry and recognized as pioneers and leaders within the feed manufacturing sector.

Thompsons recognize the important part they play in keeping NI producers competitive in the ever changing global market.

This has led to key investments in different areas of the business in order to increase efficiency and customer value. Such as the commissioning of a combined heat and power plant, which for many years has allowed the Company to generate its own electricity thus reducing manufacturing costs and adding major environmental advantages. The plant, which represents a total investment of £2M, was the first commercial facility in Ireland to utilize the recent supply of natural gas to the island.

The company is the sole supplier of poultry feed to Moy Park and has a world class bio secure facility specifically built for this customer. To further improve competitiveness of ruminant and pig customers Thompsons has recently purchased the ABN mill at Lisburn which will enable the company to further concentrate on delivering value.

The company also supports local research and development with CAFRE and AFBI. These include the Future Herd at Greenmount, and the heifer rearing project which is a joint project with CAFRE, AFBI. Agrisearch and Thompsons. They have also supported work on phosphorous in rations for pigs and ruminants to assist farmers meet the dictates of the Nitrates Directive.

The company currently employs 140 people and the new blending plant which is an investment of £1.7 million has a production capacity of 45 tonne per hour.