Logson and W&R Barnett

Logson Group was acquired by W&R Barnett in 2015 and since then has gone on to prosper as the UKs leading independent packaging group.

But who are W&R Barnett and how did they come to acquire a corrugated packaging company?

W&R Barnett is a fourth generation family business committed to growing and investing in successful operating businesses and their employees.

Based in Belfast, Northern Ireland, it is the holding company of a diversified group of international commodity trading, agribusiness and industrial companies.

Founded in 1896, the group has grown from its origins as a grain merchant and expanded its operations to include a wide variety of enterprises including dry bulk commodities, derivatives, molasses, feed mills, corrugated packaging, furniture manufacture and storage.

Its latest acquisition was the Symphony Group in April 2025.

Whilst its roots are firmly based in Belfast, it has grown its business portfolio predominantly in the UK in the last decade or so, diversifying into new markets where growth and prosperity are identified in the acquisitions it makes.

Family owned
Now headed up by William Barnett as Group CEO whilst his father, Robert, is Chairman. The business has grown considerably during William’s leadership since he took over the helm in 2009.
It has become one of the larger family businesses in the United Kingdom and has been recognised in the Sunday Times Top Track and Fast Track awards.

Barnett businesses
Alongside Logson Group and it’s nine different corrugated packaging brands across the UK, W&R Barnett has a diverse range of businesses many of which operate on a global platform.

United Molasses Group Ltd is the holding company of a group of business involved in the global trading and marketing of molasses and related co-products and a provider of bulk liquid storage terminals all operating under the UM brand.

Barnett-Hall has been the leading supplier to the Irish feed industry of grain and non-grain feed ingredients since 1839.

John Thompson & Sons is the leading retailer and manufacturer of animal feeds in the North of Ireland for the ruminant, pig and poultry markets.

The Symphony Group plc was founded in 1971 and is one of the UK’s largest manufacturers of fitted kitchen, bedroom and bathroom furniture under its Laura Ashley Fitted Furniture, Gallery, Linear, Koncept and Urbano brands. The Symphony Group supplies nationally to private developers, social housing providers, merchants and independent retailers.

Speaking of their position in the W&R Barnett Group, David Richardson, CEO, Logson Group commented; “Being part of this visionary, laser focused group has allowed Logson Group to make acquisitions, continue to increase its market share in the UK and invest for the future.

“We look forward to more growth and success in the years ahead, and the ongoing support, guidance and genuine interest from the W&R Barnett team.”

To view all W&R Barnett group businesses visit https://www.wrbarnett.com/