San Francisco, CA—June 30, 2010—Wilbur-Ellis Company announced today that is has launched a collaborative venture between its Connell Bros. Company (CBC) division and Feed division titled, FEED ASIA, which will combine the distribution resources and broad Asian footprint of CBC with the sourcing expertise of the Feed division.
Through FEED ASIA, animal feed and forage products will be marketed in the following Asian countries: Japan, Korea, Taiwan, Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, Australia, and the Philippines. When Wilbur-Ellis was founded in 1921, exporting feed products in Asia was a core business for the company and the creation of this venture will bring that focus back to the forefront.
“This new venture is significant for Wilbur-Ellis,” said Wilbur-Ellis President John P. Thacher. “By uniting the sourcing capacity and resources of the Feed division with the extensive marketing network of CBC, Wilbur-Ellis will operate more efficiently and effectively and continue to deliver a great deal of value.”
FEED ASIA will lean on the experience and expertise of CBC as the division has conducted business in the region for more than 100 years and will build upon the Feed division’s commitment to bringing quality service and ingredients to market.
“We are pleased to share this news with the industry and our customers,” said Wilbur-Ellis Feed Division President Ronald Salter. “The venture will utilize the highly desirable assets of two successful divisions to service our existing customers as well as expand our services to new markets and customers to meet demand.”
Segment Manager Brent Quintin, who is based out of Lethbridge, Alberta, will manage the venture.
“There is great untapped potential in the Asia Feed market and we are excited about the prospects of marketing a broad range of products through this distribution channel,” said Quintin.
The introduction of FEED ASIA will not impact the Feed division’s current business in North America or CBC’s chemical and related business in Asia. Aside from this venture, the two divisions will continue to operate independently.
Founded in 1921, Wilbur-Ellis is a leading marketer and distributor of agricultural products, animal feed and specialty chemicals and ingredients throughout North America and Asia. Sales for Wilbur-Ellis exceed $2 billion.
