March 29, 2021

Hubbard lays foundation for next 100 years with US$20 million R&D investment

Hubbard has announced a project to expand and upgrade its Walpole, New Hampshire, US-based research and development operations.

Representing an investment of US$20 million, the project will mean an increase in capabilities and capacity, as well as improvement in performance, biosecurity and innovation, along with bird health and welfare. Work will commence immediately, with completion slated for mid-2022. When finished, the expansion will bring approximately 40 new jobs to Walpole and Cheshire County.

The development will enable Hubbard to strengthen service and supply to its worldwide customers amid an ongoing growth in demand for its conventional broiler breeding stock. The project will also help Hubbard to enhance its breeding programme with the latest technological innovations and expand its R&D capabilities, as well as egg storage, hatchery and chick processing capacities.

Additionally, the investment will include a new R&D grow-out farm called "Centennial Farm" in honour of Hubbard's 100-year anniversary.

The project will be completed in five phases, all adding significant value to Hubbard's North American operations.

Phase one of the project includes the construction of a state-of-the-art feed conversion research farm, enabling continuous improvement of the rate at which feed is converted to live body weight. Progress in feed conversion ratio (FCR) contributes greatly to environmental sustainability as well as profitability for poultry businesses.

During the next two phases, an R&D grow farm will be built on recently purchased land, while an existing R&D grow-out farm will be renovated. These facilities will enable Hubbard to protect the health and safety of its flocks by further strengthening its rigorous biosecurity programme.

Phase four will see the expansion of the Walpole R&D hatchery with the latest incubation and hatchery technology, and the final stage will involve upgrading lay houses of the existing farms with the latest ventilation, lighting and equipment technologies.

"Through continuous innovation, improvement and global expansion, our goal at Hubbard is to fulfil our mission to provide the world's growing population with a valuable source of protein," said Olivier Rochard, Hubbard's managing director. "With this investment, we've laid a solid foundation for success for our company, as well as our worldwide customers, in the coming 100 years."

- Hubbard