Harrison & Hetherington has announced it will be investing £1 million in its Borderway Mart in Carlisle.
The cash will be spent on a new roof to extend the current coverage of the auction mart complex and create room for further growth as Harrison & Hetherington continues to expand.
The 2,000sq m double span roof will replace the original low roof of the mart Harrison & Hetherington established when they moved to the Borderway site on Rosehill Industrial Estate 50 years ago.
As the number of livestock coming through Borderway continues to rise, improving efficiency, managing livestock flow and safeguarding animal health and welfare are the key drivers in the company’s decision to make this major investment.
Harrison & Hetherington managing director Scott Donaldson said: “Borderway’s location beside the M6 has always been a cornerstone of our reputation and success in attracting buyers and sellers from the length and breadth of the UK.
“In 1974 there would be in excess of 500 head of cattle going through the Borderway ring in a day, and a milestone day would reach towards 2,000.
“Fifty years on, a busy Monday consists of 500 prime cattle and cast cows and 7000 prime, cast and store sheep, with a busy Wednesday seeing 2,000 forward store cattle, weanlings, young calves and dairy cattle through four rings.
“Today we are seeing in the region of £250 million-worth of livestock bought and sold annually. In addition to the major pedigree sales we conduct throughout the year, we also host major national livestock shows including our Borderway Agri and UK Dairy expos, which together draw hundreds of thousands of pounds-worth of cattle and sheep to be exhibited here from across the UK.
“This new roof will take space, air quality, and light to a whole new level both for the livestock and for the people who buy and sell here. It is also a perfect way to mark our 50th milestone year here at Borderway, and it’s a very tangible commitment to the future of Harrison & Hetherington, our clients and customers, and to the wonderful industry we serve.”
The new roof will be installed by Cumbrian contractors Thomas Armstrong over 22 weeks starting on November 4 with a forecast completion date of April 4 2025.
Borderway will continue to operate as normal throughout the project, hosting a full schedule of regional and national sales.
Scott added: “We are confident that the end result will benefit all of our customers and stakeholders, and our H&H teams will do everything possible to keep the disruption to a minimum, however during the build patience and cooperation from our valued and loyal customers will be hugely appreciated.”
