PEMBROKESHIRE-based PMR Ltd has announced a membership merger with Cadwyn Cymru Link Wales, a move that creates a Machinery Ring with a Wales-wide membership of 1,150.

Neil Davies, general manager of PMR Ltd, and Dewi Jones, director of Cadwyn Cymru Link Wales, said merging the membership of both organisations would strengthen further the service delivered to members.

The amalgamated business will operate from PMR Ltd’s offices at Haverfordwest.

The merger comes after the death earlier this year of Gill Wood, who ran Cadwyn Cymru Link Wales from the co-operative’s base in Welshpool.

Mr Jones said the decision to merge had been taken in the interest of members. “It is a very positive move forward. We want to see the 20 years of work that has gone into Cadwyn Cymru Link Wales developed further through PMR Ltd.

“Without borders between the two, the organisation will have more strength and everybody will benefit equally throughout Wales.’’

There will also be a cost saving by running the business from a single office.

Mr Davies said there would be minimal disruption to Cadwyn Cymru Link Wales members transferring to PMR Ltd. “The transition will be seamless,’’ he said. “Members will be able to access the same services on the same terms, with the addition of some new supply options.’’

PMR Ltd will appoint a new regional representative for north and mid Wales and Mr Jones will continue to be a contact for members in the north.

The services available through PMR Ltd have grown significantly since the co-operative was established in Pembrokeshire in 1991 to solely facilitate the sharing of machinery.

It now has members across south and west Wales and its merger with Cadwyn Cymru Link Wales will allow it to deliver a service to customers throughout Wales.

Mr Davies said that with uncertainty created by Brexit, it was now more important than ever for the farming industry to collaborate. “The purpose of the ring is to help our members make savings on many of their business purchases. By working together, we can ease what is going to be a difficult period in the next few years.’’

Although the sharing of machinery still forms an important part of the organisation’s activities, services have expanded to include facilitating the supply of fuel, electricity, machinery parts and training. Other purchasing options include agri-chemicals, fertilisers, seeds and sawdust.

“Combining our membership will also allow our commodities trading of silage, hay, straw, grain and fodder beet between members to grow. Continued growth is important as it will help give us the purchasing power required to maximise benefits to members,’’ said PMR Ltd chairman, Ken Smith.