The Cobb breed is this year 90 years old while Colchester has a proud history stretching back to Roman times.

The move brings the regional office closer to the UK production facility, one of Cobb's four supply centres for grandparent broiler breeding stock for the global market. It also locates the office within easy reach of the London airports and cross-Channel links to mainland Europe.

The opening was performed by James Bell, president of parent company Cobb-Vantress, Inc and Terry Sutton, Mayor of Colchester.

James Bell said it was an exciting move for Cobb, with the Cobb Europe operation now based at Colchester responsible for a large part of the world market covering Europe, Russia, the Middle East and Africa. "We very much appreciate the support you've given us today and the support for this move we've had from our customers," he told guests at the event.

Philip Wilkinson, executive director of Grampian Country Food Group, said that at a time when the chicken industry was going through a difficult period, it was very encouraging to see Cobb investing in the UK and showing commitment to the longer term future.

Source: Cobb - 21st March 2006