Pampered cows milking itthanks to unlikely link-up

Pampered cows are benefiting from an unlikely link up between a Londonderry agricultural manufacturer and a Cork tyre company.

Innovative company Wilson Agriculture Ltd. agreed to take recycled rubber from the Cork firm and stuff its cow mattresses and pillows with it.

The products are said to improve conditions for cows and increase milk yields.

The Coleraine operation discovered the sustainable and cost efficient source of material for its cow pillows with support from Invest Northern Ireland’s Industrial Symbiosis (IS) scheme.

The valuable supply of crumb rubber was sourced through an IS contact. When tested the sample matched the material specifications set by Wilson Agriculture Ltd. and has since generated additional sales of over £178,000 and cost savings of £3,000.

The supplier has secured another customer whilst Wilson Agriculture Ltd. has been able to convert the material into a high value product for the agricultural sector.

Andrew Wilson, Managing Director at Wilson Agriculture, said: “Being a part of the Industrial Symbiosis service has enabled us to find valuable alternative sources of material. This not only saves us money but enables us to remain competitive in export markets too.”

Olive Hill Invest NI’s Director of Innovation and Technical Solutions added: “The Industrial Symbiosis service is helping local companies to generate significant savings and/or additional sales by diverting waste from costly landfill.

“At the same time companies using the waste products are reducing their raw material costs. This is an excellent commercial result for Wilson Agriculture and I would encourage more people to explore how this service could benefit their business.”