Houghton Hams was formed in 1983 by Nigel and Jo Wagstaff at their first unit on Moulton Park Industrial Estate. In August 1989 the company purchased a new double building that would be their home to the present time.
In 1995 an EEC grant was received to bring the building up to all current legislation. Nigel’s initial experience with in the food industry was with a family run business called Buswells’ in Blisworth Northampton who eventually sold out to Dalgety.
Nigel was able to experience a much greater knowledge and at the time of Dalgety relinquishing their interest in Cooked Meat products Nigel was the incumbent Sales Manager.
After 3 years of mixed fortunes Nigel and Jo were offered the original ham recipe which had been part of his previous employers portfolio for a number of years. The decision was made to take up the offer from Nigel’s old boss and name the company after the village where they were living at the time.
Our Development
In 2000 Jo and Nigel’s son joined the business after completing a specialist degree and has contributed greatly to its development and success ever since. Paul is now Factory Manager and in 2008 he contributed in the acquisition and design of an adjacent building which has now become our complete low care area.
In 2011 the land between the two buildings was purchased and an increase to the existing high care was completed. The space above the production area has been utilized for much needed storage, office space conference facilities with a test kitchen.
The family team has been strengthened by the arrival of Linda in September 2010 and the youngest member of the family Sarah last August 2011.
