Made Great in Britain: why our seed drills stand out
There’s something special about machinery proudly stamped “Made Great in Britain”. At Stanhay, that isn’t just a label – it’s a statement of craftsmanship, precision, and pride. From our headquarters in Bourne, Lincolnshire, we design, engineer, build and test every seed drill entirely in the UK, a heritage we’re hugely proud of and one that growers can trust with confidence.
Proud roots, precision results
Stanhay’s history stretches back to 1921, starting in Ashford, Kent, and evolving through decades of innovation: from single-seed sugar beet planters that gained us national acclaim to vacuum-metered multi-line drills, winning awards like the Royal Agricultural Society’s Burke Trophy and a Queen’s Award for Technological Achievement. Today, all of that legacy continues in our modern manufacturing facility, complete with CNC machining centres, manual welding done entirely in-house, a full shot blast and paint line, and final assembly – all under one roof. Every drill that arrives at your gate is a product of this blend of tradition and modern precision.
Built right where it matters most
Walking around our Bourne facility, you see welders, designers, engineers, and assembly teams working side by side. You don’t see parts crossing borders or final builds taking place halfway around the world – just British drills built for global use. That means faster prototyping, tighter quality control, and machines designed with real growers in mind.
The “Made Great in Britain” promise
The ‘Made Great in Britain’ logo is more than branding. It’s a promise: precision-built seed drills, specialist expert support, and lifelong reliability engineered for performance.
Designed for the way you farm
Our growing lines reflect decades of listening to UK growers.
- The X Series Small Seed Precision Air Drills deliver precision for small seeds like carrots, onions, beetroot, with vacuum metering that’s flexible and accurate across soil types.
- For larger seeds like pumpkins, maize, peas and beans, the XL Large Seed Precision Air Drill is a robust pneumatic marvel built to handle the bulk and delicacy of those seeds with ease.
- Lightweight belt drills – the 820 Handpush, 840, 870 – offer mechanical precision and versatility for small-scale or specialist ops.
- The X7 cell wheel drill is purpose-made for pelleted or regular-shaped seeds like sugar beet, combining solidity with dependable placement.
- And then there’s the HDX sponge drill, a high-density option ideal for salad and veg crops, built with sponge metering system and all the features of our X Series chassis.
It’s a complete UK‑built range, tested in British conditions but proven around the world.
Custom thinking, bespoke machines
We know not every farm fits into pre-set boxes. That’s why our Special Projects Team is here to build custom solutions when standard models don’t cut it – whether that’s multi-bed high-density setups, machines mounted on sleds, or drills customised for rotary tillers. You see your idea, we model it in CAD, and our manufacturing team brings it to life right here in Bourne.
Consistency, from design to delivery
Being UK-based gives us tangible advantages. Design changes happen overnight, test runs are just down the corridor, and quality checks are on the spot. And thanks to our dealer network, including those serving the UK and abroad, support for parts, servicing and technical help is only a call away.
Real reliability, real performance
Made-in-Britain means consistency, attention to detail, and reliability. Every drill is built to last, using stainless materials, robust drives, and precision engineering so downtime is minimal and harvests are maximised.
From our UK workshop to your field
Whether you’re based in UK or overseas, a Stanhay drill is a British‑built promise of quality. Right from our steel and alloy stock to your field, every stage reflects decades of refinement.
Choosing a Stanhay isn’t just about picking a precision seed drill. It’s about choosing a machine with British craftsmanship, backed by the brand’s legacy, UK innovation and a dealer network that stands behind every sowing season. It’s choosing a drill that’s truly Made Great in Britain.