An additional 400,000 egg setting capacity building will be adjoined to the existing site, pushing setting capacity through the one-million-eggs-per-week barrier.

The investment is being made due to the continuing high demand from across the world for High Generation (Hi-Gen, GGP and GP) Aviagen stock and to ensure that Aviagen can continue to meet the needs of its local UK Parent Stock (PS) customers.

Aviagen UK Limited general manager Graeme Dear said, "Aviagen UK Limited is thrilled to have the opportunity to further develop our Stratford Hatchery to meet the growing need for our breeder stock, both across the world and most importantly, locally in the UK."

"The investment is evidence, firstly, that we are growing our business in the right way, driven by market demand; secondly, it demonstrates the level of support we receive from our shareholders who see the value of long-term investments; and thirdly, it reflects the high biosecurity standards within Aviagen and the excellent health status that we enjoy in the UK. It also acknowledges the skill base of our workforce as well as the critical logistical operations and opportunities that exist from a UK base."

It is hoped that work will be completed by the middle of next year, subject to planning consent. The majority of the original building will be given over to Hi-Gen production with the annex focusing on PS hatching; however, the existing hatchery and the annex will be capable of operating together to better meet the demand for the company's breeding stock as and when required.