October 14, 2014

HKScan plans to build new meat facilities in Finland and Estonia

HKScan, Norway's leading meat producer, plans to undertake two major investment projects in Europe.

The first plan is for a US$83 million chicken facility in western Finland.

HKScan will review its options on whether to renovate and expand an existing Eur0-based facility or to build a completely new plant at a different location within the region.

The plan is to modernise HKScan's chicken slaughtering, cutting and production processes. State-of-the-art technology will enable the company to develop new products designed to change consumer preferences, as well as to improve productivity, and energy and material efficiency.

When completed, the new or upgraded facility will provide job security to most HKScan's industrial personnel in western Finland. It will also offer growth opportunities and guarantee the continuity of the entire west Finnish chicken value chain.
 

The planning stage is scheduled to run through summer 2015. During that time, HKScan will look into two alternatives, clarify permit requirements and assess environmental impacts.

In 2013, HKScan opened a new poultry facility in Tabasalu, Estonia, which produces poultry products for the entire Baltic market. In addition, HKScan has also modernised its poultry plant in Vinderup, Denmark.

The next project is a US$25.4 million production facility to be located in Rakvere, Estonia. It will be involved in cattle slaughtering, cutting operations, meat processing, and serve as logistics centre for all of its Estonian operations.

HKScan provisionally plans to add a new 10,000 meters-square production facility alongside its existing plant in the town.

The planned Rakvere facility will be used in developing the new Group brand, Flodins. The planning phase is scheduled to run through spring 2015.

The investment projects are expected to help HKScan streamline its production structure, integrate its technology and improve operational efficiency.