Aviagen Kft, Aviagen's Hungarian business, has announced a major expansion plan of its farming base to support customers in Central and Eastern Europe as part of an ongoing investment and development project which is currently taking place in the region.

Demand for Aviagen products from the Central and Eastern European markets is constantly increasing and Aviagen Kft's sales into the region have gone from strength to strength in the last few years, with stock supplied to customers in 22 countries. This success can be attributed to the excellent product performance and the quality and health status of chicks supplied by the Hungarian operation.

A fifth house has been added to four of the nine existing grandparent farms in Hungary and this project was completed in July this year. These farms have been built in accordance with Aviagen's strict production and biosecurity standards, using the latest innovations in poultry housing and equipment technology, to meet the highest standards of bird health and welfare. In addition, work has commenced on a refurbishment of a third dedicated rearing farm of 5,000 square metres, which will take the first stock in September 2009, taking the total to three dedicated rearing farms for six production farms.

Nick Spenceley, General Manager for Aviagen Kft, commented: "Despite the global crisis around us, the industry in our region has continued to grow. We continue to invest in new technologies, facilities and people to provide our customers with the very best products and technical support. All our farms in Hungary incorporate the most up-to-date technology to promote bird welfare and health, ensuring our customers receive top-quality products, supported by excellent technical back-up and service."

Construction has also begun on grandparent farm in the Czech Republic, located near Brno, which is expected to be operational in early 2010. The farm will comprise of four houses totalling 5,000 square metres and is located centrally between Aviagen's Hilbersdorf and Györ hatcheries and is anticipated to be the first of several grandparent farms in the Czech Republic.

Tyark Osterndorff, Business Development Manager for the region, commented: "The Central and Eastern European region is one of growth and at Aviagen we have a philosophy of growing to meet the needs of our customers. In just five years, we have seen demand rise exceptionally, thanks to the success of our products in the region and we have already outgrown our existing facilities.

The increase in the farming space in Hungary together with the new grandparent farm in the Czech Republic will allow us to ensure that we can secure supply and guarantee quality because we are so close to our customers. We hope these latest investments highlight once again Aviagen's commitment to this region and to the support of our customers."