Our Heritage

Although Briar Chemicals is a relatively new name in the custom manufacturing sector, we have more than 50 years’ expertise and an established reputation for manufacturing excellence and dependability. Our story spans decades of innovation, ownership transitions, and continued commitment to high‑quality chemical manufacturing in Norwich.

Early Foundations: May & Baker (1955–1988)

Our heritage begins in 1955, when May & Baker acquired a greenfield site in Norwich to establish a new manufacturing facility dedicated to crop protection products.
Production began in 1956 with Tropotox, a herbicide used on broadleaf weeds. The site expanded its capabilities throughout the 1960s, adding the manufacture of Ioxynil and Bromoxynil in 1963.

Between 1969 and 1983, the site experienced rapid growth and earned five Queen’s Awards for Industry, Export Achievement, and Technological Innovation — a testament to the technical excellence and pioneering spirit that still defines the site today.

In 1988, May & Baker became Rhône‑Poulenc Agriculture, marking the first major transition in the site’s identity.

Aventis CropScience (2000–2002)

In December 1999, Rhône‑Poulenc merged with Hoechst to form Aventis, a global leader in pharmaceuticals and agriculture.
The Norwich site became operational under its new identity of Aventis CropScience UK in January 2000, bringing together world‑class research, global reach, and a renewed focus on innovation.

Bayer CropScience (2002–2012)

In September 2002, Aventis CropScience was rebranded as Bayer CropScience.
The Norwich site continued to play a critical role, becoming Bayer’s largest manufacturing site in the UK, producing a range of herbicides and a veterinary product used for the treatment of sheep and cattle.

This decade cemented the site’s reputation for reliability, technical capability, and safe large‑scale production.

Becoming Briar Chemicals (2012–2024)

On 1 September 2012, the site entered a new chapter as Briar Chemicals Ltd, an independent organisation owned by Aurelius AG.
This transition allowed the site to focus on custom manufacturing, operational flexibility, and long‑term partnerships with global chemical companies.

Since then, Briar has continued to invest in infrastructure, safety, and people — strengthening our position as a trusted UK manufacturer.

Safex Acquisition – A New Era of Growth (2024–Present)

A major milestone in our recent history was the acquisition of Briar Chemicals by Safex, a global organisation with a strong footprint in crop protection and chemical manufacturing.

The Safex purchase represents:

• Long‑term stability and investment – Safex brings a commitment to sustained growth, operational excellence, and strategic investment in the Norwich site.
• Expansion of global reach – As part of the Safex family, Briar benefits from broader international networks, new market opportunities, and strengthened supply chain resilience.
• Alignment with shared values – Safex’s focus on safety, sustainability, and innovation aligns closely with Briar’s long‑standing culture and operational priorities.
• A platform for future development – The acquisition supports ongoing upgrades to plant, equipment, and infrastructure — ensuring the site remains competitive and capable of delivering complex chemistry for decades to come.

A Heritage of Excellence, A Future of Possibility

From May & Baker’s pioneering days in the 1950s to our modern identity under Safex, Briar Chemicals has evolved continuously — but our core strengths remain unchanged:

• Technical expertise
• Manufacturing reliability
• Commitment to safety
• Strong customer partnerships
• A skilled and dedicated workforce

Our heritage is not just a timeline — it’s the foundation for the next generation of growth, innovation, and success.