Moy Park has completed a GBP20 million (US$28.1 million) investment in a state-of-the-art hatchery at Newark-on-Trent in Nottinghamshire, which is creating 55 new jobs in the area.
The new hatchery facility, which will supply 60 farms across Lincolnshire, is one of the first of its kind in Europe, and hatches 2.5 million chicks per week, making it the largest single-build hatchery in the United Kingdom. Employing industry leading technology to ensure the best possible production, animal welfare, hygiene and biosecurity standards, the facility utilizes the latest automation techniques and energy efficient equipment reducing electrical energy usage by 25 percent, according to a press release from Moy Park.
While announcing the opening of the hatchery, David Gibson, Moy Park director of agriculture, said: “This significant investment has created a world-class hatchery and will ensure Moy Park is well equipped to meet demand for locally sourced, high quality poultry products. With technologically advanced equipment and a focus on the highest standards of biosecurity, our Newark hatchery embodies our commitment to agricultural and operational excellence.”
New hatchery part of Moy Park’s wider growth strategy
This latest announcement forms part of Moy Park’s wider growth strategy, which has seen the company make significant investments across its integrated farming and processing facilities in the U.K. Overall, the firm processes 5.7 million birds per week, making Moy Park one of the largest poultry producers in the U.K.
“Over the last number of years, we have strengthened our production capabilities and together with our network of 800 dedicated farming partners across the U.K., we have continued to develop our agriculture estate,” said Janet McCollum, chief executive of Moy Park. “This latest announcement builds on that success and ensuring that Moy Park continues to meet the evolving needs of customers and consumers.”
Moy Park, according to the WATTAgNet Top Poultry Companies Database, raises about 25 percent of Western Europe’s chicken parent stock
