A LIMERICK firm that transforms poultry manure into energy to power farms has announced the appointment of leading businessman Denis Brosnan as its chairman.
The former Kerry Group chief executive takes over at the helm of BHSL, the agri-tech business that employs 28 people at its headquarters in Ballagh, County Limerick.
The announcement comes as BHSL launches a process to raise at least €7 million in new equity to support its expansion into international markets.
Former ESB chief executive Padraig McManus, retired Supreme Court Judge Fidelma Macken, veteran corporate financier David Hickey, and Limerick businessman Tom Lynch have also joined BHSL’s board as non-executive directors.
BHSL has developed a unique, patent-protected system to convert poultry manure into a fuel for energy generation on-farm. The company’s technology is transforming poultry production by turning a cost centre into a source of fuel, thereby driving farm profitability through reduced energy bills.
The equity raised will be used to increase the company’s international sales presence as well as extending its Research and Development spend to combust other materials such as industrial waste and spent mushroom compost.
BHSL managing director Declan O’Connor said he was delighted to have someone of Denis Brosnan’s to serve as company chairman.
“He brings decades of experience in the agri-business sector and will provide huge support as we enter a new growth phase for the business, and target new export markets.”
In July, BHSL announced a $3 million pilot project with the State of Maryland to trial its technology. Maryland is one of six states in the US that surround Chesapeake Bay, where land is overloaded with phosphorus. BHSL estimates the size of the market opportunity for the company in the US at more than €500 million.
BHSL’s system is already fully operational on two UK farms with further installations anticipated in 2016.
by Alan Jacques
