Melrose brothers in arms over expansion plan

AB Wight Ltd was established in 2012 by Andrew Wight, who was soon joined onboard by his brother Garry Wight.

Originally a welding and fabrication business it also carried out some general agricultural engineering and servicing.

It has grown steadily from the company base on the Charlesfield Industrial Estate at St Boswells in Melrose to become one of the leading agricultural machinery dealerships in the region, serving farmers in the area with McCormick tractors since 2017.

Now the brothers aim to expand to a 1.7 acre site known as Slaters Yard on the industrial estate, which they acquired in 2019.

The building would incorporate a showroom, office space and workshop.

A report submitted as part of a planning application to Scottish Borders Council, from the company’s agent, Melrose-based Murray Land and Buildings, says: “Slaters Yard is located on the north side of the road at the junction between the Charlesfield Road and the A68.

“AB Wight wish to continue expanding and growing to meet with demand, and in order to satisfy their customers many needs. They are hamstrung by their current buildings set up, which does not allow them to operate efficiently at present, or offer them the ability to expand.

"Use of the site over the past 30 years-plus has been as a storage yard by a plumbing and roofing firm. This use remains today.

“Attempts have been made in the recent past by the previous owners to develop the site for other uses, including residential, office and a children’s care residence. Of the applications made, only one was refused, the others being withdrawn, though in all likelihood they would have been approved on the basis of the benefits to the local community.”

On taking ownership of the site, AB Wight constructed fences in order to secure the valuable machinery stored there.

The firm also produces its own small trailers, bale spreaders and sheep snakers and is also dealers for other mainstream manufacturers, including Harry West and Mac Trailers.