Cobb-Vantress Breaks Ground on New Feed Mill in Kentucky
US - Cobb-Vantress, Inc. is constructing a new feed mill in Albany in south central Kentucky, United States, to supply its expanding operations in both Kentucky and Tennessee.
11 December 2013
3 minute read
The mill, projected to cost US$15million, is the latest investment in this region where Cobb has invested more than $36million over the past three years including a new hatchery at Lafayette, Tennessee and a new pedigree research and development complex at Deer Lodge, Tennessee. Its location is close to a major area of corn production from where Cobb plans to source most of its grain needs.
"We are excited to continue our investment in the state of Kentucky and we look forward to providing job opportunities to the people in this area," said Randy Vardeman, vice president of production for Cobb. "The design of the new feed mill will give Cobb complete control over feed formulation and quality. In the end, it’s about providing a quality feed to our growers and company farms."
The investment in Kentucky is one of many Cobb is making globally. Additionally, Cobb is adding on to a research farm at Herveld in the Netherlands, making farm expansions in Brazil and building a new grandparent farm and hatchery in China.
One special feature of the new feed mill will be a state-of-the-art pathogen control system affecting the equipment and processes. Use of specialized equipment, designated clean areas controlled by airflow and other quality measures will help ensure salmonella-free feed.
The construction began in November and is scheduled for completion in spring of 2014. The mill will employ an estimated 16 people including feed delivery drivers.
The Kentucky Economic Development Bureau has been instrumental in attracting this investment. Denton Childs, of Tyson Foods, worked on tax incentives with the state, and Greg Jones with the Southeast Kentucky Economic Development Corporation assisted in locating the property.
