Transformative milestones through time
Get to know Connolly's RED MILLS' history of growth and achievements spanning more than 100 years.
Early 1800s
RED MILLS is one of 131 grain mills in County Kilkenny in the early 1800s.
1840s
The Connolly family moves to Bagenalstown in 1846. Michael Connolly emigrates to Long Island, New York after the Great Famine in 1849.
1866
Michael Connolly returns to Ireland to inherit his aunt’s bakery business in Bagenalstown.
1908
Michael Connolly purchases RED MILLS on 15 October 1908 for his son, William. William paints the roof of the mill red to differentiate it from others in the area.
1908-1938
William Connolly names the company William Connolly and Sons, operating as a sawmill during the First World War, alongside grain milling.
1939-1950
The mill thrives during the Second World War, employing up to twenty local people, and providing food and goods on credit for the local community from the shop.
1952
The mill connects to the electrical grid. Liam Connolly takes over the management of the mill and oversees a boom in changing technology and milling techniques.
1960s
The 1960s sees almost £160,000 invested into the plant and machinery, mostly for provender milling and horse feed.
1963
A chance meeting between Liam Connolly and Paddy Mullins leads to the development of the horse feed business, a new arm in the business. The first major equine success story is Vulpine, winner of the Irish Grand National in 1967 who fed Connolly’s RED MILLS.
1969
The installation of flaking technology and a plant occurs at a cost of £51,617.
1970s
Further investments see the first computerized pay system installed in 1978, with further investments made into the buildings and plant. Lab testing for product quality is implemented.
1980s
More sensitive processes are developed. The first exports of feed to the United Kingdom occurs in 1985.
1992
A fire devastates the mill. However, this brings about opportunities to rebuild, leading to further modernization, innovative technology and expansion.
1997
RED MILLS launches in America and acquires two smaller agri-businesses.
1999
A state-of-the-art pet food manufacturing plant is opened in Gowran, just 5 km from RED MILLS in Goresbridge. Connolly’s RED MILLS begins producing high-quality pet food.
2006
RED MILLS begins horse feed exports to the Asian market, exporting to Japan. Our revolutionary Nutrient Fresh Management System (NFMS) packaging is launched to ensure optimal levels of freshness.
2012
RED MILLS takes a revolutionary step and begins trading in the Chinese equine market.
2013
Connolly’s RED MILLS purchases the renowned Foran Equine, blending the equine knowledge of our nutritional experts with Foran Equine supplements for a more expansive product range while sharing our expert knowledge with our customers.
2017
The RED MILLS Store is officially launched in Cillin Hill Retail Park, Kilkenny, servicing our customers’ country lifestyle and equine nutrition requirements.
2020
Connolly’s RED MILLS completes the purchase of Carr & Day & Martin, the world’s oldest company involved in the manufacturing of equine products. The RED MILLS brand becomes a global powerhouse supplying equine feed, supplements and horse care solutions.
2021
RED MILLS is available in over 80 countries around the world.
