Lohmann distributor Hatchery ter Heerdt builds new layer hatchery

Hatchery ter Heerdt (broederij ter Heerdt) based in Babberich, the Netherlands, recently celebrated the opening of its new hatchery facility.

With an 80-year history Hatchery Ter Heerdt is one of the leading companies in the layer industry in the Netherlands. The company is exclusive distributor of Lohmann Tierzucht, offering a wide range of competitive laying birds in the Benelux.

The new turn-key hatchery facility, equipped with technology from Dutch based incubator supplier HatchTech, has an initial annual production capacity of 9.2 million layers, although the current building, cooling-, heating-, and ventilation equipment is designed for a total future production of 15 million layers.

Together with his team, hatchery and technical director Mr Niek ter Heerdt, worked on the plans for the new hatchery facility for almost 3 years. He explains:

“The choice for HatchTech is taken on the basis of sound testing and evaluations of various incubator suppliers.

“Besides a high-quality, day-old chick that is optimally developed during incubation, we are also striving for maximum uniformity. The HatchTech MicroClimer Setters and Hatchers are designed to deliver a uniform incubation environment that specifically meets the needs of each embryo. The unique laminar airflow system creates ideal environmental conditions in which every embryo in the incubator is kept at the optimal temperature for outstanding development.”

Mr Michiel van Veldhuisen, area manager Europe HatchTech:

“Hatchery ter Heerdt’s vision is for a production facility that delivers laying hens of the highest quality.

“Their progressive approach towards modern farming motivates us to keep being innovative. We are looking forward to working with them every step of the way and are proud that once again we have been able to furnish a turn key hatchery in the Netherlands, our home market.”

The new hatchery is operational starting from June 2012.