The takeover of the Organico company, producers of 6x fertilisers and chicken pellets by Vitax earlier this year, saw the coming together of two like-minded companies. With a common aim of having more organic based products, Vitax are able to slot the 6x range in neatly alongside their earlier purchase of Slug Gone. It also reinforces the use of waste product as a reliable source of natural garden products.
With a large following of allotment holders and traditional gardeners, the 6x range is a good fit for both sides, and there will be benefits to both parties in having it in the same portfolio as Vitax’s comprehensive range.
The seven-week process that turns a waste product from deep litter chicken farms from within a 60 mile radius, into a garden fertiliser that is six times more powerful than most other fertilisers, hence the name, takes place at the Somerton site. The chopped fibrous product, that is a bit like tea leaves, is heated to 240 degrees C to kill all pathogens and stop the composting process, which means that garden centres and customers can be assured of a high quality product.
6x Chicken Manure Pellet 8kg buckets and 20kg bags are also produced at the site using only the highest quality pellets.
Former owner Roger Cumisky, who will be staying on to oversee a smooth transition to Vitax, saw the huge potential and bought the company some 25 years ago with his business partner Jim Searle, who will continue with his current team to run production.
Having successfully got 6x well established in the market, Roger felt it was time to sell.
“I respected the way that Vitax handled their business, and I knew several of their employees over a long period of time and felt it was the right company to take the products to the next level,” he said.
Vitax Sales Manager Colin Wetherley-Mein said that the quality and pedigree of 6x matched the strong brands and traditional gardening roots of Vitax, and was confident of greater success in the future.
Distribution of full pallets will continue to be done from Somerset, and smaller quantities from Vitax’s base in Skelmersdale.
