Pyramid takes the Integrated approach (From Gazette & Herald)

Pyramid takes the Integrated approach

A successful Malton firm which supplies the pig farming industry has changed its name to reflect an exciting future in agriculture.

Pyramid Systems has been running in Malton for over 30 years, developing into property as well as agricultural supply.

Now the piggery and equipment supply business is going it alone under the new name of Integrated Piggery Systems Ltd.

"We wanted the name to reflect the professional and technical approach we're looking to supply," said Pyramid Systems (Malton) Ltd managing director, Geoff Thompson.

"The last few years have required many changes to adjust to the pig industry market place, with Pyramid Systems developing in a number of directions. The time is right to separate the piggery business, allowing key staff to become more involved as I move into partial retirement.''

Geoff remains in control of sales and customer services as design consultant to the new company. Day to day activities are in the hands of Andrew Freer, promoted to general manager, who has more than 25 years experience with Pyramid Systems.

The company supplies to people all over the UK, and has around 40 per cent of its customer base in Yorkshire.

"Over the years we've been at the forefront of designing new piggeries, improving efficiency and pig welfare," said Geoff.

The company's Craftmaster, in particular, is a product range which has remained successful for the 14 years since the company put it on the market.

Geoff said: "Integrated Piggery Systems Ltd will continue to market, under licence, the Craftmaster range of piggeries, which have proved so successful over the last 14 years. The range now extends to cover farrowing, nurseries, grower and finishing and, uniquely, a wean-to-finish system."

Andrew Freer added: "We're delighted to hear from so many customers just how well Craftmaster has performed in the past difficult years. It is an exciting prospect to anticipate its future role in reviving the industry.''

It is an effective and natural way of housing pigs, using lots of installation and controlled vents to regulate temperature.

Unlike many systems, it costs nothing to actually use, and the company estimates it saves 60p per pig in electricity.

"Our industry as well as any other is concerned about climate change issues so if we can save 60p that's great," said Geoff.

Other interesting ideas for the future include arable farmers moving into the pig industry in some way - doing something on their land which can slot into a wider system, as reflected in the new name.

Integrated Piggery Systems Ltd will continue operations from Malton, and will have the same telephone numbers and address as Pyramid Systems (Malton) Ltd.

Updated: 13:42 Wednesday, June 29, 2005