History
1945
In 1945 Wm Dods & Son was 163 years old. Two partners had kept the business going through the war years and helped to dig for victory. The business was based in 26, 28 and 30 Court Street with warehouses on three floors to the rear of the premises.
The main trade at this time was grass seed which was sold all over Scotland through the main office, markets and via agents.
1962
In response to increasing demand for cereal seed a new cleaning plant was installed followed by bulk rather than bagged intake of grain. Thereafter automatic bag stitchers and weighing equipment was installed.
1970
A new shed was constructed behind the existing warehouse with entry from the rear. At this time the firm was storing seed ready for delivery on four external sites in order to cope with demand.
1972
A site was acquired at Ugston Farm and a large storage shed constructed. This is where the company is based today with the site being named Backburn after the name of the burn behind the nearby Letham House.
1974 saw the sale of the Court Street premises to Laws of Newcastle taken over by WM Low of Dundee. The office was moved to St Anne's place in Haddington.
1975
A further storage shed was built and a new seed cleaning plant installed at Backburn.
Through the Seventies things developed with forklift trucks and pallets and a dedicated seed testing laboratory was built. An office was also constructed at Backburn.
1982 - 200 Years in Business
1982 saw the Bi-centenary with an party held at Backburn
Directors of the business in 1982: Jim Taylor, Frank Harper, Joe Harper and Douglas Mowat at the bi-centenary
1985-2005
In 1985 more grain bins were installed in the warehouse with an automatic palletizer being purchased in 1998. At this time all of the seed grain being sold was still handled in 50kg bags and despatched on pallets.
Existing Warehouse and Storage Facilities at Backburn
Our existing facilities allow us to process and store all of our seed grain and grass seed on site.
