Company History

1850-1900
• In 1850, John Dugdale was a tenant at Waddington Post Office. The property was purchased on 6th May 1854.
• John's son Benjamin joined the business after serving his apprenticeship as a grocer at a large Clitheroe grocer.
• In 1880, the grocery and Post Office business was expanded – retailing grains, oil cakes and by-products. These were delivered by train to Clitheroe and collected by horse and cart.
• In 1892, the family became agents of Messrs J. Bibby & Sons Ltd, retailing their manufactured feeds.

1901-1944
• The business then made the move to an open warehouse and yard next to the station; this allowed customers to collect feed on their way home from the milk train.
• By 1916, Benjamin had retired early due to ill health. His son William took over aged 20.
• In 1928, a fire totally destroyed the warehouse and a new site was purchased – Waterloo Corn Mills at Well Terrace, Clitheroe.
• The feed business continued to expand. William's three sons John, George and Billy gradually joined the firm in the years leading up to World War II.
• Benjamin Dugdale died in 1934.
• In 1936, W. W. Dugdale & Sons Ltd started the family's farming enterprise at Cheethall Farm, Edisford.
• The mixed farming venture gave the family a unique insight into the needs of the customers.

1945-1980
• Following the return of George from the army, the family continued to act as agents for J. Bibby & Sons until 1957.
• During the early 60's, Roger and Stephen Dugdale joined their fathers and Uncle Billy in the business. The production facility at Waterloo was expanded and improved.
• The company started to develop complete dog food in 1965.
• Towards the end of the 70's it became obvious the production facility needed modernising. Operating with HGV's and manufacturing processes did not fit in well in a housing area.
• In 1978, land was purchased at Salthill Quarry.
• In 1980, the farming enterprise was sold to pay for the building of Bellman Mill.

1981-2009
• In spring 1981, the new mill was opened.
• Several hundred people came to a series of open days from 13-15th May 1981.
• Home n' Dry and Sweet n' Dry were developed as forage additives.
• Over £2 million has been re-invested over the past 5 years.
• The business currently produces 100,000 tonnes per year for the North West of England.

The Future
• Dugdale Nutrition remains 100% family owned and independent.
• Continuous research and development will lead to new and innovative products.
• The continued investment in people and the plant will enable Dugdale Nutrition to meet all customers' future needs.
• Under the leadership of the sixth generation, the family remains committed to leading the British Livestock Industry.

 

Charity Involvement

Dugdale Nutrition Ltd are proud to be involved with the following causes: