U.S.-based poultry genetics giant Cobb Vantress has inaugurated its pure line facility in New Zealand.
With nearly $50 million investment, Cobb will produce grandparent chickens to breed high-value chicks to be distributed in China to meet Asia Pacific demand.
The new facility includes one hatchery, one quarantine shed, nine rearing sheds and 12 production sheds.
Cobb said that the customer delivery of breeding stock will begin this summer and create about 100 new jobs when fully operational.