UFAC-UK has appointed a new ruminant technical manager and regional business manager to form part of a new look in the latest strategic restructuring.

Steve Will has joined the team as business manager for south-west and Wales. Mark Townsend is stepping up to the role of ruminant technical manager as Mike Chown has recently retired.

Townsend has moved from his previous position as regional business manager to the technical ruminant section, while Willats is taking over Mark’s previous role in the south-west and Wales region.

Townsend will be working with the innovation and development of new products, including research and development, trials, and the analysis of results.

The new ruminant technical manager said:

“I am looking forward to the challenge and bringing my own expertise and spin to the role Mike has so successfully led on, over recent years.”

Mike Chown, who worked with UFAC-UK since 2011, officially retired in March 2024, but has not “closed the book” on his work entirely.

Mr. Chown said how he was extremely proud of the work developed and the ideas trialed, and that he is pleased to be asked to continue working on one-off projects while taking time to wind down.

Steve Willats, new business manager for South-West and Wales region for UFAC-UK Source: UFAC-UK

UFAC-UK managing director Robert Jones said they wish Mike well in his retirement and they are grateful to have worked with him over the years.

He added that they are “extremely pleased” that Mark will step up to the technical role, while Steve will take on his new role in the South-West and Wales region.

Meanwhile, Willats has worked as a specialist with both ruminant and monogastric animal feeds for some 13 years, most recently being with ForFarmers.

Willats added that he is eager to maintain and develop the strong customer relationship dynamic that Townsend has built with clients within the region, while adding to that customer base.