Durstons expands operations with major new site in Somerset

Durston Garden Products Ltd are entering a significant new phase of growth with the development of a 25‑acre site in Meare, Somerset. The move is set to increase capacity, broaden their product offer and open the family business up to opportunities in new market sectors.

The new facility, known as Eclipse Works, sits just four miles from Durstons’ current base and is undergoing a major transformation ahead of production switching over later this summer. Purchased in 2024, the site includes 6 acres of tarmac and 15 acres of operational space, giving the manufacturer the scale and flexibility to support its next chapter.

Work at Eclipse Works has been progressing for several months under the direction of Managing Director, Chris Durston. State‑of‑the‑art machinery from The Netherlands is now being installed, strengthening the company’s production capabilities. Existing bagging lines will be relocated from the current site, with additional space intentionally reserved for future expansion as demand continues to rise. The significant investment marks a step change in the company’s production capabilities and is set to unlock new potential for the heritage Somerset brand. As well as supporting higher volumes of traditional bagged compost, the new site will enable Durstons to introduce bulk bags to their offer, creating opportunities in new sectors, such as builders’ merchants and landscaping suppliers. “The new site gives us room to grow and the ability to diversify,” says Sales Director, Dan Durston. “It will open new doors for the business and help us serve a broader customer base, while continuing to support garden centres efficiently and with the high level of service they have come to expect from us.”

Phased transition designed to protect service levels

Following an exceptionally busy spring season – with thousands of bags dispatched daily to meet demand – Durstons has planned the move to Meare incredibly carefully to avoid disruption for retailers.

Production at the current site will wind down once peak season eases, with all operations expected to be fully transferred to Eclipse Works by 1^st September. Durstons have reassured customers that service levels, lead times and stock availability will remain unaffected throughout the transition.

All production staff will relocate as soon as the new facility is ready, whilst office staff will follow gradually over the next year or two, marking a final goodbye to a site that Durstons have occupied since the 1980s.

A new chapter for a heritage brand

Once the move is complete, the old Durstons site is expected to take on a new life of its own, potentially under new ownership. For Durstons, however, the focus is firmly on the future. Eclipse Works represents both increased capacity and strategic flexibility at a time when demand for reliable, UK‑produced growing media remains high.

The expansion also follows a season in which transport costs, lead times and product availability have been key concerns for many retailers. Durstons’ decision to hold prices – without passing on a fuel surcharge to its customers – and maintain consistent service levels offered reassurance to garden centres during one of the most intense trading periods of the year.

“This move is a long‑term investment in the future of the business and demonstrates a commitment to our customers,” concludes Dan Durston. “Eclipse Works gives us the space, the technology and the capability to keep growing and to keep supporting retailers in our sector for many years to come. We’re really excited about this next step and what the future holds.”