TWO entrepreneurs behind a coffee company and crisps business have ventured beyond the food and drink industry after taking a majority stake in a farming equipment manufacturer near York.

Simon Herring and James Sweeting have bought into the board of Sumo, joining Shaun Wealleans who for the past 23 years has headed the company, which specialises in the design and manufacture of innovative cultivation equipment for the farming industry around the world from headquarters in Melbourne, near York.

Mr Herring and Mr Sweeting are both co-founders of Lincolnshire-based businesses Pipers Crisps, and private label coffee company Lincoln & York. Mr Herring, a farmer’s son from Walesby in Lincolnshire, who has spent the last ten years managing the day-to-day running of Pipers, will become the new managing director of Sumo, while Mr Sweeting also from a farming family, brought up in Howden in East Yorkshire, will be joining Sumo on the board as a non-executive director.

Mr Wealleans will remain actively involved in the company, heading the design team after taking on the role of technical director.

He said: “We are 100 per cent committed to upholding the reputation that we have gained for our machines and service back-up.

“We can assure both current and potential customers that this will only be strengthened by the new partnership.

“Simon and James have a fantastic portfolio when it comes to business experience, having successfully started and developed two very high-profile companies.

“The new team will combine good business practice with Sumo’s innovative products, resulting in a very strong company, fit to take on the future of worldwide farming.”

Mr Herring added: “James and I are delighted to have the opportunity to invest in Sumo UK.

“Shaun has done a sterling job over the last 23 years forging a strong business and designing a collection of cultivation equipment for farmers across the globe.

“I look forward to spending the coming months getting to know all staff, customers and suppliers.”

The new trio will be supported by the Sumo team at their East Yorkshire factory in Melbourne.