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Waterford's automated feeding system lands $2.5m order in the US - Bruton

AFSH’s SIGNS CONTRACT FOR NEW "SIMPLE FEEDER" HORSE FEEDING SYSTEM WITH US’s TRIPLE CROWN NUTRITION

Waterford’s Automated Feeding Systems Holdings (AFSH) today (23

rd

September 2011) announced that it has secured a $2.5 million deal to supply its newest horse feeding system to Triple Crown Nutrition of Wayzata, MN. The deal was announced during Enterprise Irelands’ trade mission to the Southern United States led by the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Mr Richard Bruton T.D.

Welcoming the announcement, Minister Bruton said:

"This trade mission was all about helping Irish companies increase their exports and ultimately expand their businesses and create jobs. Through the Irish government's and Enterprise Ireland's network of contacts we were able to put 67 innovative Irish exporters in contact with opportunities in this part of the United States where links have not traditionally been strong. I am delighted that this high potential company from Waterford has been able to secure this lucrative contract as part of the trade mission, and I wish it every success in the future".

Triple Crown provides nutrition products to the equine industry. The new system called "Simple Feeder" is portable and lighter than conventional feeding products, offering a more efficient feeding method while optimising horse health. Shipment of the first products—which will trade under the "Triple Crown Simple Feeder" brand name—will begin next month.

The new feeders are distinguished by their flexibility. They can be easily mounted to the stall bars or to feed buckets hanging from the wall. They can also be mounted for use with floor pans. They plug into existing electrical outlets and require no additional wiring. The feeder is not intended to replace basic management practices; rather it functions as an extra set of feed hands, especially for early morning or evening feedings. Their portability makes them ideal for weekends away from the farm. Studies have shown that for horses needing large quantities of food per day, an on-demand feeding schedule is healthier. It reduces the potential for ulcers, stalls vices like cribbing, and helps avoid weight gain.

"Feeding some horses multiple times a day is often a struggle for horse owners," said Eric Haydt, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Triple Crown Nutrition. "Simple Feeder" offers a convenient new option for owners. It is a great system for horses that spend a considerable amount of time in the stall or for those requiring large quantities of food. With this new product, feedings can be spread out—over 16 times per day, if necessary."

JP Monahan, CEO at AFSH, said, "Triple Crown Nutrition is known as an innovator of nutritional products and feeders for horses, and we’re glad to partner with them. Together, we can offer new feeding conveniences to horse owners with a product that represents the best combination of science and tradition. They can customise feeding protocols to meet each horse’s requirements. It is feeding as nature intended."

To learn more about Automated Feeding Systems Holdings, please visit www.simplefeeder.com.

To learn more about Triple Crown Nutrition, please visit www.triplecrownfeed.com.