In planning for its future growth, Harrison & Hetherington marks the 50th anniversary of their flagship Borderway Mart complex in Carlisle with the announcement of a £1m investment in a state of the art new roof.

As one of the largest livestock trading hubs in the UK, the £1m new roof will extend the current coverage of the auction mart complex in Carlisle and create room for further growth as the farmer-owned company continues to expand operations.

The 2000 square metre double span roof will replace the original low roof of the mart Harrison & Hetherington established when they moved to the Borderway site on Rosehill Industrial Estate exactly 50 years ago.

In the company’s ongoing mission to improve the Borderway facility and enhance its reputation as one of the leading national livestock trading hubs, the new roof will be higher and wider and is specifically designed to create more space and allow significantly greater airflows and natural light throughout the complex.

Improving efficiency, managing livestock flow and safeguarding animal health and welfare are the key drivers in the company’s decision to make this major investment, says Harrison and Hetherington managing director, Scott Donaldson:

“Borderway’s location beside the M6 has always been a cornerstone of our reputation and success in attracting buyers and sellers from the length and breadth of the UK.

In 1974 there would be in excess of 500 head of cattle going through the Borderway ring in a day, and a milestone day would reach towards 2000. Fifty years on, a busy Monday consists of 500 prime cattle and cast cows and 7000 prime, cast and store sheep, with a busy Wednesday seeing 2000 forward store cattle, weanlings, young calves and dairy cattle through four rings.

“Today we are seeing in the region of £250m worth of livestock bought and sold annually and we also host major national livestock shows.

“This new roof will take space, air quality, and light to a whole new level both for the livestock and for the people who buy and sell here. It is also a perfect way to mark our 50th milestone year here at Borderway, and it’s a very tangible commitment to the future of Harrison & Hetherington, our clients and customers, and to the wonderful industry we serve.”

The new roof will be installed by Cumbrian Construction Contractors, Thomas Armstrong, over a period of 22 weeks starting on November 4, with a forecast completion date of April 4, 2025.