NPIA winner prepares for new era

A CAMBRIDGESHIRE-based family company, which won The National Potato Industry Award for Machinery last year, is preparing to hand over the reins to the next generation.

While co-founders Darren and Belinda Smith will continue to be a driving force at automation machinery solutions provider, Agrimech, with Darren maintaining the role of Managing Director, Darren will be handling over much of the business management to Matthew Fielding, while sister Rebecca and brothers Jamie and Lee Wenn have also slowly been increasing their responsibilities over the past few years. 

Matthew will begin to take over the management of installations, service, warranty and support and will join Darren in prototype development, while Rebecca will lead manufacturing.

“I’ve seen so many people hang on until it’s too late to give the next generation the space and support required as they learn business rather than their trade,” said Darren. “Agrimech’s future is built on our four younger members, and customers should know they’re going to be in extremely safe hands."  

Jamie will continue to develop software and programming, while Lee will run the workshop.

Over the past 11 years Agrimech has grown its business throughout the UK and abroad. The company, which has sold more than 200 machines from automated weighing and placing to stitching and palletising, is currently developing new products like tray filling and net roll bagging for the pre-packing markets.
Darren will remain as Managing Director and, along with co-founder Belinda Smith, will continue to be Agrimech’s driving force.