NZ: Cobb opens $50m grandparent stock facility

The company said that the new facility reflected the fact that the region is Cobb’s fastest growing, and took advantage of New Zealand’s high health status.

The $50m facility will produce grandparent birds to breed high value chicks which will largely be exported to distributors and Cobb’s own operation in China.

The complex includes one hatchery, one quarantine shed, nine rearing sheds and 12 production sheds. Customer delivery of breeding stock from the facility is expected to begin this summer.

When fully operational, the company will employ nearly 100 team members, most of whom will come from the surrounding community.

“It’s just great to be here and be a part of this beautiful country,” said Joel Sappenfield, president of Cobb-Vantress. “We want to thank local marae cluster Ngā Muka Development Trust and Waahi Whānui Trust for their continuous support for Cobb New Zealand.”

Local elder (Kaumatua) Patrick Kingi added: “This is excellent. Excellent employment that has been given to our children and grandchildren, that’s the most important thing.”