Global livestock feed company Trouw Nutrition has introduced a new operational and delivery model for the island of Ireland following a review of its manufacturing, commercial and customer service functions.
The company has confirmed that production at its Ship Street manufacturing facility in Belfast has ended, with the site closing permanently on September 30, 2026. The decision to close the facility was initially announced in May 2026.
The change is focused specifically on manufacturing. Trouw Nutrition said its commercial, sales, technical support and customer service operations will continue from its headquarters at Clarendon Dock in Belfast.
Manufacturing Moves to GB and European Sites
Under the revised model, products serving customers across Ireland will now be manufactured at Trouw Nutrition’s existing production facilities in Great Britain and Europe. The company will also supplement supplies locally through its long-term partnership with North Down Grain, based in Newtownards.
The company said the revised structure is intended to create a more streamlined and resilient supply model while maintaining its presence and customer-facing operations in Northern Ireland.
| Area | New operating model |
|---|---|
| Belfast manufacturing | Production ended September 30, 2026 |
| Commercial operations | Continue from Belfast |
| Sales | Continue from Belfast |
| Technical support | Continue from Belfast |
| Customer service | Continue from Belfast |
| Manufacturing supply | GB and European facilities |
| Local supply support | North Down Grain, Newtownards |
Trouw Nutrition’s country manager for the UK and Ireland, Bruce Spain, acknowledged the disruption associated with the changes and said the transition had created uncertainty for employees and customers.
He reiterated the company’s commitment to the island of Ireland, explaining that the operational changes are intended to strengthen its position in the regional feed market.
According to the company, the new model has been developed in response to changing requirements within the livestock feed industry, including increased expectations around traceability and compliance. By combining production from established sites with local supply support, Trouw Nutrition aims to maintain product availability while operating through a more consolidated manufacturing network.
Investment in Commercial and Technical Capabilities
The company said it has invested significantly in its regional operating model during recent months. This has included strengthening commercial and technical capabilities and adding new members to its regional team.
Trouw Nutrition said these investments will allow its Ireland operation to focus more closely on customer relationships, technical expertise and service delivery while manufacturing is consolidated elsewhere.
The company also highlighted innovation and customer service as continuing priorities for its Ireland business.
The livestock feed sector increasingly requires suppliers to manage detailed product traceability, regulatory compliance and supply-chain requirements. Trouw Nutrition said its revised model is designed to address these requirements while maintaining access to its product portfolio for customers across the island.
The Belfast manufacturing closure therefore represents a change in the company’s production structure rather than a withdrawal from the Irish market. Its customer-facing functions will remain in Belfast, while manufacturing responsibilities are being transferred to existing facilities in Great Britain and Europe.
The local partnership with North Down Grain is also expected to provide an additional supply link within Northern Ireland.
For livestock producers and other feed-industry customers, the effectiveness of the new model will depend on factors including product availability, delivery reliability, technical support and the company’s ability to maintain service standards during the transition.
Trouw Nutrition has thanked its employees and customers for their continued support and partnership as the new operating model takes effect.
The company says the restructuring will provide a more efficient and resilient approach to serving customers across the island of Ireland while retaining its commercial, technical and customer service presence in Belfast.