Cargill is to invest GBP35 million (US$56.3 million) over the next 24-35 months to improve efficiencies, upgrade technologies and create a state of the art facility for its poultry processing business in the UK, focusing the business on the retail sector and key partners in food service.
Pilar Cruz, managing director for Cargill Meats Europe, commenting on the investment, said: "This is an exciting time for the poultry industry and as demand for fresh chicken grown in the UK continues to rise amongst retailers and consumers, we aim to position ourselves to better support this. This investment will position Cargill for future growth and strengthen our relationship with key strategic customers in the UK."
Cargill has already introduced controlled atmosphere stunning and upgraded the poultry reception facilities at its Hereford site, which will become state of the art. The next phase is to expand its chilling capabilities and its hatchery to position the company for future growth.
Cruz added: "Cargill's investment plans will not only help us support our customers but also local farmers and the industry as a whole. We are committed to working together with our farmers, customers, suppliers and communities to help the UK poultry industry to thrive and to leverage our broad global knowledge, ethics and values to build a strong sustainable growth business in the UK."
