Every great beer and whisky starts with one thing: Barley. It’s the backbone of flavour, quality and tradition. And in the UK, few companies are as closely connected to this grain as Simpsons Malt.
For more than 150 years, this fifth-generation family-owned business has turned locally grown barley into world-class malt. What makes them so unique is how deeply they’re rooted in the land.
Unlike other maltsters, Simpsons don’t just process barley. They grow it. And through the company’s agricultural merchanting division, McCreath Simpson & Prentice, even supply the seed and fertiliser to their own farmers across Scotland and England, meaning everything can be traced right back to the field it was sown in.
Traceability, sustainability and respect for the crop are at the core of their business. To honour that commitment, Simpsons Malt relies on Cimbria’s advanced grain technology, ensuring every barley kernel is protected on its journey from field to glass.
Two decades, one trusted partner
For more than twenty years, Cimbria has stood alongside Simpsons Malt as a trusted partner. What started with a few individual machines has grown into a close working relationship defined by loyalty, reliability, and shared values.
The projects have come in all shapes and sizes, from small upgrades to major multi-machine installations.
But the foundation of their partnership has stayed firmly rooted in confidence and mutual respect. They count on Cimbria’s equipment to perform day in, day out. And Cimbria earns that trust by staying close, solving problems and making sure every solution delivers, every time.
“We know the operators at Simpsons Malt by name. They trust our equipment because it won’t let them down — and we work hard to keep it that way.” – Neil Bainbridge, Cimbria Sales Manager
Bringing projects to life through collaboration
Cimbria’s involvement begins long before a machine is installed, working closely with Simpsons to sketch layouts, design solutions and ensure every piece of equipment fits smoothly into daily operations. UK-based installers then bring the plans to life, while Cimbria stays involved every step of the way.
Once installed, the equipment takes care of the barley from start to finish. From the moment it arrives at the plant to the day it leaves, the system keeps everything moving safely and efficiently.
Conveyors and rotocleaners handle it gently. Silos and dryers preserve it until malting. Delta cleaners make sure only the best barley goes forward. And conveyors and aspirators move the finished malt into storage and onto lorries.
“These plants run 24/7, 365 days a year. Our equipment is designed to run reliably, minimise grain damage and protect the integrity of every kernel.” – Neil Bainbridge, Cimbria Sales Manager
Projects that tell the story
Over the years, the partnership between Simpsons Malt and Cimbria has taken shape across multiple sites — each project reflecting a different challenge, but the same spirit of collaboration.
Sometimes the goal has been to expand storage and intake capacity. Other times, it’s been about tailoring equipment for specialty malt or ensuring grain quality before malting. Whatever the need, Cimbria has worked side by side with Simpsons to design, deliver and integrate solutions that keep their operations functioning as they should.
Berwick Maltings (Project #1) – Boosted storage capacity with 10 silos, 9 conveyors, and 10 screw conveyors. Beyond just moving grain, the project gave Simpsons Malt the ability to handle larger harvests with confidence, without compromising gentle handling.
Berwick Maltings (Project #2) – Supplied two industrial-strength GH1000 Belt conveyors, each with a capacity of 200 tph, to enable rapid yet gentle transport of green malt to the final stage of production in the newly commissioned GKV10 kilning vessel.
Glen Ord Peat Plant – A more complex challenge, requiring 3 silos, 13 conveyors, 3 elevators, 10 screw conveyors, a Delta cleaner, and square silos. Each element worked together to process specialty malt while keeping dust and impurities under control.
Keith Store – Helped the site manage peak intake periods efficiently while maintaining flexibility with 4 Symaga silos, 10 conveyors, 2 elevators and a Rotocleaner.
Looking ahead
The partnership between Simpsons Malt and Cimbria shows what can be achieved when expertise and collaboration work hand in hand.
Despite market slowdowns, trade pressures, and wider challenges in the malting industry, their focus on respecting the grain and designing systems that protect it has built reliability into every step.
And it’s proof that strong partnerships are what safeguard quality and performance — now and into the future.
