Fylde coast firm opens Far East office

A Fylde coast animal health products business is increasing its overseas reach with a new venture into the Far East.
Tangerine Group and Vetplus chairman David Haythornthwaite (left) with WSAVA President Shane Ryan.Tangerine Group and Vetplus chairman David Haythornthwaite (left) with WSAVA President Shane Ryan.
Tangerine Group and Vetplus chairman David Haythornthwaite (left) with WSAVA President Shane Ryan.

AFC Fylde owner David Haythornthwaite’s Tangerine Group has seen its Vetplus arm continue its international expansion in the Asia Pacific region.

Its regional support office in Singapore was opened by the current President of the World Veterinary Association Shane Ryan together with VetPlus founder and chairman David Haythornthwaite.

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The office based on the 44th floor in the prestigious Our Downtown Centre has spectacular views over Singapore harbour.

It will become the regional training centre for its partners in Asia.

David said: “This is another huge milestone in the journey we are on to become the number one Veterinary Nutraceutical company in the world. We appointed our first partner here in 2003 and that has now grown to 12 all of whom are family businesses like ourselves.

We pride ourselves in the daily support we give to all our customers but in Asia this is particularly challenging given the time difference.

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“Most of Asia is going home by the time we get to work in the morning so the opening of this office now allows us to give “real time” support. The initial support team consists of five people led by Alvin Tann who before joining VetPlus spent the last twelve years working for Mars and Nestle in similar roles.”

Alvin said: “I am very happy to be part of the VetPlus team here in Singapore.

“Having worked for the Mars family for many years I know the value of working for a family business and the flexibility this can bring.

“What appealed to me was VetPlus’s long term approach to developing partnerships in the region and the investment they are making in people and infrastructure.”

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David added: “Export’s account for now over 50 per cent of our sales and just over £4 m of that goes to the Asia Pacific’s region.

“Our biggest market is South Korea but that is about to be eclipsed by both Japan and China.

“Both these markets are extremely difficult but have recently started to bear fruit after years of investment.-it’s an exciting time for all concerned with the company.”

Lytham-based Tangerine was founded in 1999. It employs around 200, manufactures all its own products in its own factories and sells to over 45 countries worldwide.