Over 50 years ago (1968), Evans and Pearce was formed, from a friendship started at a Taunton Young Farmers meeting. The initial project was hiring out Lister diesel fans to dry grain, grass seed and even hay.
Graham Evans and Mike Pearce used their inventive minds to develop many new crop conditioning products, mobile seed cleaners and one of their greatest success stories the Electro Broadcaster, with thousands sold all over the world.
The pair were early pioneers of the crop chemical industry, developing some of the earliest sprayers and methods of chemical application. Mike’s drive for innovation never lapsed. He kept advancing sprayer design and pushing the boundaries of the crop chemical market.
The ambition to innovate and advance the industry set the tone for the company, which to this day is still embraced.
Rob White left Seale Hayne in 1999 to take up a full-time role with Evans and Pearce, working with his parents, Brian and Gill White. When the opportunity arose in 2004 to purchase the business, he and his wife Sarah took it. During the early years of their ownership the focus of the business shifted to prioritise mobile seed processing and crop storage equipment. A series of wet harvests between 2008 and 2012 saw the Polycool range really take off as its capabilities were realised as a genuine alternative to the metal pedestal.
On the back of increasing sales time was spent with their fan manufacturer to develop the fan range and in 2010 the novel Evolution fan was released. During the next few years all the fan models were overhauled to improve build quality and performance. A range of higher output fans were also added to match the increasing demand for their Polycool Lateral system.
As the crop storage department underwent an overhaul so to did the seed processing equipment at the hands of Paul Hitch. With no previous experience of this industry, he put his fabrication know how to good use, improving reliability, output, useability and the safety of the seed processing machinery.
New machines and overhauls of existing soon followed and with it our workload as our reputation grew. During that time our processing workload has grown 3 fold with capacity for extra already in place.
With our eyes set firmly on the future we are ready to have a go at meeting the challenges that UK arable production will no doubt present us with in the coming years.
All items we design have longevity at the forefront of their development and are therefore built to last. We know of some original fans which are still working on farms 30 plus years after we sold them. Our Polycool ducting was developed with ADAS in the 1990’s to provide the ultimate balance of open area and strength. Our Metalcool pedestal range has added strength as part of its unique design.
As experts in cooling grain and long term storage, we are called to advise on the slightly less run of the mill requirements. We have systems drying Popcorn in Hungary and cooling shelled peanuts in Texas. Coming up with Grain Fan Assist has reduced energy costs associated with cooling grain. The simple to install conversion kits fit onto existing fans. The system is revolutionising crop cooling for farmers, ensuring fans only run when temperature conditions are at their prime for cooling and automatically switch themselves on and off when temperature conditions are suitable. No longer is it part of someone’s role to remember to switch the fans on and off at dusk and dawn.
Timeline
Graham Evans and Mike Pearce founded the company, using their inventive minds to develop many new crop conditioning products, mobile seed cleaners and one of their greatest success stories the Electro Broadcaster.
The pair moved the business to Anchor Farm, giving them more space to prototype, develop and test new products and innovations. Anchor Farm is still home to the business today.
Designed, developed and commercialised pedestal ventilation across the UK, helping farmers to store and preserve their seeds for longer.
Imported the first Sangati gravity selector destoner from Italy. Now widely used on mobile processing plants across the UK.
Worked with ADAS and Polypipe Civils to develop the first fit for purpose plastic pedestals – Polycool was born.
Rob and Sarah White purchased Evans and Pearce and set about changing the focus of the business strongly towards mobile seed processing and crop ventilation systems.
Rob Sweetlove and Paul Hitch joined the business to add much needed expertise to the Office and Workshop.
The Evolution fan is launched becoming the UKs first and only energy efficient grain cooling fan.
Courtesy of Paul Hitch, our first major overhaul of the mobile processors design hits the road, and drastically improves the company’s output. Customers nicknamed it the 'Flying machine!'
We complete the build and commissioning of the UKs largest mobile, full colour grain separator. A nationwide service is quickly established on the back of the machine’s capabilities.
Grain Fan Assist Wireless hits the grain stores of the UK, offering a simplified but effective method of ventilation control.
Another mobile seed processing unit is added to the fleet as demand continues to increase.
Our Team
Rob White
Started in 1999 and purchased the business in 2004 with his wife Sarah. Ex Seale Hayne. Keen advocate of locally produced food and drink, rugby, cricket and mountain biking.
Rob Sweetlove
Started in 2007 and during that time has assumed a keystone position in the company. Too many roles to mention. Big Liverpool FC fan and regular at the west country festival scene.
Rich Soan
Started in 2017 and has become a vital cog in the business. Principally our tame sparky but runs around helping everyone with anything.
Marcus Topp
Started in 2021, moves between all areas of the business when needed. A customer favourite with a positive energy who will help anyone.
Kevin Yates
Started in 2022, frontline seed processing operator. Loves putting his creative talents to good use in the workshop. Skilful chef, horticulturalist and a pub quiz master.
Paul Hitch
Started in 2007 and has overseen the overhaul of the seed processing fleet during this time. Standard setter in all he does. Motorbike and guitar driven rock enthusiast.
Jamie Whitmarsh
Started in 2022 and has established himself as a top flight operator. Forms a popular double act with his long term friend Marcus.
