Suffolk farm machinery manufacturers are delighted after being shortlisted for a British Chamber of Commerce Global Britain Award.

Family-owned Claydon Yield-o-Meter Ltd - based at Wickhambrook, near Newmarket, employs 80 staff and has seen its exports rise six-fold since 2013 from 30% to 60% of its turnover.

The firm was founded in 1981 by Jeff Claydon. It makes direct drills, straw harrows, rotary cultivators and inter-row hoes at its Suffolk factory. 

Jeff and brother Frank have farmed at the site where the factory is based since 1970. Jeff's sons Spencer and Oliver are now involved in the business.

In 2023, the company completed a new purpose-built building which more than doubled production capacity and created more jobs. The works were supported by a £267,400 Growing Business Fund Grant from the New Anglia Local Enterprise Partnership (NALEP).

The company now sells its machines in 30 countries.

Spencer, who heads up the commercial team, said: “Our significant investment in new production facilities is helping us to take a quantum leap forward to meet global demand for Claydon machinery.

“During the last year alone we have expanded production by 30% and expect similar growth during the next 12 months.

"Many markets are still at an embryonic stage and our distribution network is growing rapidly, so sales should continue to grow exponentially despite the undoubted challenges.”

Earlier this year, Jeff was presented with a Suffolk Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group (FWAG) Peewit Award for Excellence in Ecological Farming.

He has also been shortlisted in the ‘Game Changer’ category in the Farmers' Weekly Awards which will be presented on October 3 at London’s Grosvenor House Hotel. 

“The role of machine technology will grow significantly in the future and Claydon will continue to move forward,” said Jeff.

“Our latest drills incorporating the ability to place crops, companion crops, fertilisers and crop protection products in one pass to help the farming industry meet the challenges which it will face in the future.”

The Chamber Business Awards national winners will be announced in October, and the Winner of Winners will be announced at the London Stock Exchange on November 20.