A Durham family business is creating dozens of local jobs with a £10 million expansion into a new distribution centre, driven by the demand for natural raw food for pets.

Durham Animal Feeds, based at Rushyford, near Newton Aycliffe, is expanding into 30,000 square feet of cold storage facility and a huge new raw natural pet food superstore.

The new site on the Merchant Park Industrial Estate in Newton Aycliffe will create dozens of new jobs for the area alongside improved distribution.

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DAF directors Peter and Lee Hornsby, son and grandson of the founders of the business Jack and Doreen Hornsby, work alongside their family including Lyn, Leah, Lydia, Claire, Skye and Yazmin.

They have all seen the business grow exponentially in recent years, due to an increased number of families who welcomed dogs into their homes during lockdown as well as people dedicating more time to research and choosing a healthier natural diet for their pets.

The Northern Echo: Work on the siteWork on the site (Image: Newsquest)

The unit is being built by Hall’s Construction, as Stephen Hall and Peter Hornsby grew up together and have been friends for many years. 

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The site will continue to have the company’s environmental approach at its heart, with solar panels to provide energy, recyclable packaging for the raw product and other features aimed to minimise environmental impact and increase sustainability.

Following a lengthy consultation process, the building work has now started with both families officially breaking ground together. The site is due to be completed early in 2024.