June 19, 2012

Ariant to construct new meat-processing facility

Ariant is building what may be the largest meat-processing complex in Europe, according to the Russian agricultural firm.

The new facility, which will be located in the Chelyabinsk region in the south of Russia, will have a production capacity of 140 tonnes of meat per day. It will cover approximately 15,000 square metres and is expected to cost around RUB6 billion (US$200 million). 

Ariant said that, on completion of the plant, Chelyabinsk will become the second-largest meat producing region in Russia. It added that the plant would be built using only the most modern and advanced technology and would implement the strictest quality control systems. This will include implementing a system of processing that completely excludes the possibility of meat contamination from any sources by fully isolating the work area from the outside, with all employees and automobiles entering the complex required to go through a strict disinfection process.

The plans for the complex have been welcomed by local and national authorities.

Mikhail Yurevich, governor of the Chelyabinsk region, said, "We have purchased the most advanced technology which is the world's best. Only in this way can we can ensure that our final production has the highest quality and a great competitive advantage."

Alexander Kretov, a member of Russian Parliament, said, "It is really a unique project. Austrian, Swiss and German companies are participating in its construction and the newest technology in the world will be implemented on this platform."

The draft proposal for the plant was prepared by German firm, Bertschlaska. Construction will start at the beginning of 2013.