Global demand for seafood continues to rise, placing pressure on UK aquaculture to deliver consistent, high-quality fish at scale. At the centre of this challenge is aquafeed. Feed must be nutritionally balanced, traceable, and uniform — yet manufacturing it is far from simple.
Ingredient variability, strict hygiene requirements, and tightening regulations make aquafeed production a complex process.
Without robust handling and screening systems, producers risk downtime, contamination, and reduced productivity.
This is where Gough Engineering can make a difference. With over 80 years of experience in sieving, conveying, and handling systems, we help UK manufacturers safeguard quality, improve efficiency, and keep production lines running reliably.
The Growing Demands on Aquafeed Production in the UK
Aquafeed blends fishmeal, vegetable proteins, vitamins, minerals, and binding agents.
Each has different physical properties — some create dust, others are heat-sensitive, and many vary in particle size. Managing these ingredients safely and consistently is essential to producing pellets that support fish health and farming performance.
As the sector scales up, the challenge is not only technical but operational: maintaining throughput, reducing waste, and demonstrating compliance. For many producers, upgrading to some form of quality control screening and introducing new handling systems is the most effective way to meet these demands.
Key Challenges for Aquafeed Manufacturers
Behind every tonne of aquafeed are multiple variables that must be controlled.
From ingredient consistency to equipment reliability, small issues can quickly scale into production losses. Pelletisation and extrusion lines place additional pressure on consistent ingredient flow. Any fluctuation in particle size or density can cause blockages, reduce throughput, and compromise pellet uniformity.
The most common challenges are:
Each of these factors can undermine feed quality and efficiency. Addressing them requires proven handling and screening equipment designed for the feed industry.
How Gough Engineering Supports Aquafeed Producers
With over 80 years of UK manufacturing experience, Gough Engineering designs and builds systems that address these exact challenges. Our equipment is trusted by feed producers who need consistent performance and long-term reliability. Our systems integrate seamlessly with extrusion and drying lines, ensuring smooth transfer, screening, and pellet quality control at every stage of aquafeed production.
Our equipment typically sits before and after extrusion and drying stages — controlling ingredient flow into extruders, screening pellets after extrusion, and transferring them gently to drying or packaging without loss or breakage.
Vibrecon® GVC Machine
Gough Swinglink® Bucket Elevator
Why UK Producers Choose Gough
Choosing Gough Engineering means more than installing equipment.
We work in partnership with you to optimise production e.g. salmon, trout, and other fish feeds, helping to increase throughput (measured in tonnes per hour) while meeting stringent hygiene and traceability standards.
Gough customers benefit from;
The result is consistent feed quality, reduced downtime, and confidence in compliance—all built on systems designed and manufactured in the UK.
A Long-Term Partner for the Aquafeed Industry
Gough Engineering does more than just supply off-the-shelf equipment. We consult with producers to understand material properties, production goals, and site requirements, then design and support systems to fit. Most of our solutions are bespoke in some way. With on-site trials, commissioning, and responsive aftercare, we provide assurance that systems will continue to perform long after installation.
Talk to Our Team
The UK aquafeed industry faces rising demand and greater scrutiny. Manufacturers need equipment that delivers reliable throughput today while being flexible enough to meet tomorrow’s standards.
Gough Engineering provides the sieving, screening, and conveying solutions that help producers stay competitive, safeguard quality, and scale with confidence.
To discuss your requirements, contact Gough Engineering:
📞 +44 (0)1782 657770
🌐 www.goughengineering.com
Our sales team is ready to help you select the right solution for your production line.
Or you can go directly to the Gough Contact Form here, and begin the journey to find the right solution…