Dudka Vyacheslav Dmitrievich, Governor of Tula, officially opened the hatchery on 1 July and was amongst over 150 attendees, mainly made up of local dignitaries and customers.

The high-tech facility is capable of producing 5.5 million day-old female Parent Stock chicks per annum. The capacity can be expanded to 7.5 million chicks without any further construction and is a key milestone in Aviagen’s European strategy.

Brian Whittle, President, European Operations for Aviagen, said: “This is a historic day for Aviagen and we are proud to open our flagship hatchery in Yasnogorsk. Russia is a crucial market for Aviagen; the Russian poultry market is facing significant growth over the next five years.

“The Yasnogorsk hatchery demonstrates Aviagen’s commitment to improving product quality and ensuring security of supply for our ever-growing customer base. Aviagen products perform exceptionally well here and this investment proves our long term commitment to the region.”

The hatchery location was picked due to its strategic significance. It is centrally located, close to the main road network and has links to two major airports. Additionally, there are no other commercial poultry facilities, rivers or lakes within 10km of the hatchery perimeter.

Tyark Osterndorff, Business Development Director for Aviagen’s Central and Eastern European team, said: “Russia intends to become a more self-sufficient poultry producer so it was vital that we are able to produce Aviagen stock within Russia. We have built a very sophisticated hatchery in a new market on time and under budget. That required a monumental effort by all concerned and our Project Director, George De Kock, has done a fantastic job. We have also received tremendous support from the Tula region for our development.

“Aviagen will supply eggs for the hatchery from its farms around Eastern Europe but over the next two years the business intends to develop its own farming base in Russia including a dedicated feed mill. We intend to grow our market share in Russia significantly.”

As part of the opening celebrations, attendees were treated to a tour of the hatchery, which includes two separate buildings, with a technical area separate from production and a secure entrance with showers. There are also separate exits, again with shower facilities, truck wash and forced soap dispensing.

Valery Starodubstev, General Manager, Aviagen LLC, said: “Once operational we will implement Aviagen’s very strict visitor policy and we will regularly screen all our staff. Biosecurity is a key concern to ensure the quality of chicks we supply, which is why we will be looking to establish a secure supply of quality feed.

“Visitors at the launch were given a unique insight into hatchery operation from egg setting to hatching, chick take off and processing. Now our first eggs will be set with test hatches taking place in early August. We expect our first customer deliveries to have taken place by September.”