Cargill, a US-based agribusiness company, is set to invest £35m to upgrade and enhance its poultry processing business in the UK.
The three-year investment is a part of Cargill's strategy to focus the business on the retail sector and key partners in food service. It will allow the company to expand its capacity to process and supply fresh UK-reared chicken.
The project involves improving efficiencies, upgrading technologies and establishing a processing facility in Hereford.
Cargill Meats Europe managing director Pilar Cruz 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."
The company already owns a controlled atmosphere stunning and upgraded the bird reception facilities in Hereford, and it plans to expand its chilling capabilities and hatchery to position itself for future growth.
It will continue to work with local UK chicken farmers to build a sustainable and long-term chicken supply chain, while increasing the number of home grown chickens available to the local market.
Cruz concluded, "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."
