Wilbur-Ellis Nutrition LLC announced Nov. 6 the acquisition of the assets of Rangen Inc., a privately held, more than 90-year-old aquaculture and general feed production company with production facilities in Buhl, Ida., and Angleton, Texas.

“We’re excited to welcome another well-established business with a strong industry presence to Wilbur-Ellis Nutrition,” Wilbur-Ellis Nutrition president Andrew Loder said.

“Rangen is a strategic fit for [Wilbur-Ellis] Nutrition. It significantly expands our aquaculture business, immediately giving Wilbur-Ellis a nationwide platform from which to expand in one of the fastest-growing markets in the global feed industry,” Loder said. “The acquisition also benefits the company’s livestock, pet and companion animal offerings by expanding our branded and custom-formulated feed options. We have been very impressed by the focus of Rangen employees on innovation and their laser focus on helping customers succeed.”

According to Wilbur-Ellis, the aquaculture business includes the production of high-quality feed for fish — including trout, salmon and shrimp — which helps meet growing consumer demand for healthy foods that are high in protein.

Rangen has approximately 80 full-time employees at its headquarters and plant operations. The acquisition includes two plants in Buhl that manufacture aquaculture and general feed products as well as an aquaculture feed plant in Angleton, the announcement said.

Rangen employees will join Wilbur-Ellis, continuing in their roles at their current locations, Wilbur-Ellis noted.

“Our Nutrition division has been an industry leader for nearly a century,” Wilbur-Ellis president and chief executive officer John Buckley said. “Through our diverse product lines, excellent service and innovation, we have positioned ourselves to be the provider of choice for customers and suppliers. As Rangen becomes a trusted brand of Wilbur-Ellis, we’re taking the next step in growing the Nutrition business with value-added products and services in diversified end markets.”

Rangen was founded in 1925, and its aquaculture division was established in 1950.

“Throughout our history, a major advantage has been the experience, knowledge and customer commitment of Rangen employees. As this business becomes part of Wilbur-Ellis, I know these same strengths will propel the business to even greater growth. That’s good for employees and the customers they serve,” Rangen president Chris Rangen noted.

Loder added, “We’re extremely pleased to welcome Rangen employees to Wilbur-Ellis. We’re a family-owned company that is about to celebrate our 100th anniversary. As proud as we are of our history, we’re focused on the future — and an organization like Rangen and its team will help us maintain our deep commitment to safety and deliver on our ambitious growth, value and innovation goals. With our combined strengths, we will achieve our vision of being the innovative leader in the marketing and distribution of animal nutrients.”

Founded in 1921, the Wilbur-Ellis companies are leading international marketers and distributors of agricultural products, animal nutrients and specialty chemicals and ingredients. By developing strong relationships, making strategic market investments and capitalizing on new opportunities, the Wilbur-Ellis companies have continued to grow the business, with sales now greater than $3 billion.

Wilbur-Ellis Nutrition is an industry leader in the delivery of nutrients to the livestock, pet food and aquaculture industries. It generates more than $500 million in sales revenue annually and has 30-plus locations across the U.S., Canada, New Zealand and Japan.

Source: Wilbur-Ellis, which is solely responsible for the information provided and is wholly owned by the source. Informa Business Media and all its subsidiaries are not responsible for any of the content contained in this information asset.