Labs & Manufacturing
Centralised manufacturing
We make it ourselves, so we can answer for it ourselves
Every RED MILLS feed, supplement, treat and care product is manufactured at one of our own two licensed facilities in County Kilkenny, and shipped from there to stockists and stores worldwide, and on to yards, farms and homes.
Centralising it that way is a deliberate choice. It is what keeps us self-sufficient through difficult seasons and difficult markets, and it means there is no point in the process where we have to take somebody else’s word for it.
The laboratory
Tested at Goresbridge, before it goes anywhere
Our laboratory sits inside the manufacturing facility at Goresbridge, not at arm’s length from it. Samples are tested there against the industry standards for quality and safety, and raw materials are tested to confirm the nutritional standards behind the label.
It is also where we test for Naturally Occurring Prohibited Substances — the NOPS that occur naturally in plants and that a competition yard cannot afford to find in a feed bin.
- Samples are tested here against the industry standards for quality and safety
- Raw materials are tested to confirm the nutritional standards behind the label
- Results feed straight back to production
- Retained samples archived for every batch
Traceability
Every bag has a history
The sample taken from the batch of raw materials is tested for moisture levels, protein, oil, fibre and ash. Nutrient profiles are used to ensure feeds are consistent with our declarations. These samples are retained and stored in the ‘cold room’ for full traceability.
- Batch code traceable to raw material intake
- Samples are retained and stored in the ‘cold room’ for full traceability
Centralised by design
Self-sufficient, on purpose
Connolly’s RED MILLS has taken a comprehensive and centralised approach to manufacturing so that we can keep producing in the most challenging environmental or economic conditions. When a supply chain comes under pressure, the part of it we own does not move.
Raw ingredients are carefully selected and formulated into the feeds we sell, checked at every phase of production, and only then distributed, with the level of traceability that comes from owning the whole of the process rather than a piece of it.
- Raw ingredients are carefully selected and formulated into the feeds we sell
- Feeds checked at every phase of production, and only then distributed
- Complete traceability from start to finish
Our state-of-the-art facilities
Two fully licensed facilities, both in County Kilkenny
Both sites are ours and both are fully licensed, a short drive apart in County Kilkenny.
Goresbridge — the mill and the laboratory
Raw materials arrive, are sampled and are milled, mixed, extruded, coated and bagged here. The laboratory that clears every intake and releases every batch is on the same site.
Purcellsinch — treats and packing
A short drive away, our custom‑built pet treat facility makes our treats and chews, and packs supplements and care products for the wider RED MILLS group.
What centralising actually buys you
1
Supply you can plan around
Owning the facilities is what keeps us self-sufficient when conditions are difficult, so the feed you ordered is the feed that arrives.
2
One standard, every batch
The same specification, the same checks and the same people, whether a batch is going to a yard in Tipperary or a stable in Dubai.
3
Traceability end to end
Because every phase happens in our own facilities, a finished bag can be traced back through production to the raw materials it was made from.
4
Shorter lead times
We forecast with our suppliers, customers and sales teams, so orders are produced and distributed in the shortest lead time we can manage.
Want to know about our quality?
Read how we source and test every ingredient before it reaches the mixer.