Marion Cantillon reveals how an unexpected accident on her family farm led to the creation of Pitseal, a company dedicated to improving the safety and environmental impact of silage pits. Cantillon, a Nutritional Science graduate, was working on her master’s thesis about replacing plastic in retail spaces when she encountered difficulties while covering a silage pit. This experience sparked the realization, “There has to be a better way,” which gave birth to Pitseal.
The company aims to replace traditional plastic sheets with safer and more environmentally friendly alternatives for storing silage, addressing environmental concerns and reducing safety risks for farmers. Cantillon was one of the winners of Visa’s She’s Next Grant Programme. “Winning the grant was amazing.
It provided essential funding that allowed us to invest in our applicator and expand our service to cover additional farms,” she says. The programme also offered valuable coaching on financial projections, bookkeeping, and other important business skills. It helped form a support network with other participants and enhanced her business management abilities.
Silage pit safety innovations
Through her work, Cantillon has built a strong community focused on collaboration with contractors and farmers. “Our client is typically the contractor who covers the pits, but the real benefits are felt by the farmers themselves.
It’s rewarding to see this system providing tangible advantages from both sides,” she explains. Looking ahead, Pitseal plans to expand globally. “We’re conducting tests in New Zealand and Australia, and I have plans to explore markets in Dubai.
Our goal is to reach a global scale, with significant interest already building up in these regions,” Cantillon reveals. Cantillon also shares advice for aspiring entrepreneurs: “Love the problem you’re solving. Passion for the problem will drive you through both the highs and lows of running a business.” She emphasizes the need to critically assess advice: “Take advice with a pinch of salt and adapt it to your specific situation.
Trust your instincts and evolve with your business.”
Marion Cantillon’s journey from a family farming mishap to leading an innovative enterprise shows how challenges can spark transformative ideas. Pitseal aims to revolutionize silage pit management and sets an example of determination and innovation.
