February 9, 2010

Faqih Poultry Farms boosts output with major investment

A five-year investment programme promises a boost to the output of Faqih Poultry Farms, the world's largest individually-owned poultry farm.

The company plans to invest more than SAR3 billion (US$800.15 million) to boost production over the next five years, according to reports.

"The farm has developed a five-year plan to boost its daily production to one million broiler chickens and three million table eggs," Abdul Rahman Faqeeh, founder and owner of the farm said.

Faqeeh added that the SAR3-billion development plan includes launching new farms, chicken feed factories, model abattoirs and a vast logistic system for the prompt supply of goods to consumers across Saudi Arabia.

The entrepreneur, who has been in the poultry business over the past 60 years, said the plan is laid in response to the sharp rise in the demand for poultry products because of factors such as the country's fast population growth and 10% annual increase in the number of pilgrims.

Elaborating on the features of the new plan, he said the farm would have a reinforced administrative structure, and also prepare a second and third line of expert workers in every production sector in the farm.

Another policy of the farm would be continuous update of the preparation of chicken feeds to suit the genetic improvement of the breed in collaboration with international companies, said Faqeeh.

"The strategy of expansion is primarily based on the principle of simultaneous development of all sections of the industry keeping to a time schedule. The plan that aims to guarantee enough supply of meat and eggs in the country will also take the initiative in developing individual small farms and help them solve their problems and assist them in obtaining loans from the financing agencies," he said.

According to reports, the company has won four ISO certifications for food safety, administration, environmental safety and professional hygiene.