EDINBURGH, Scotland. – Aviagen® South Africa officially celebrated the opening of its expanded facilities at Schikfontein Farm in Heidelberg, marking a significant milestone in the company’s continued investment in South Africa and its commitment to strengthening the country’s poultry sector.
The event brought together more than 30 guests, including customers, industry colleagues and government representatives. Among those in attendance were Aviagen South Africa’s distributors – Astral Foods (Ross Poultry Breeders), Arbor Acres South Africa and Rainbow Chickens – underscoring the strong relationships that continue to drive the growth and resilience of South Africa’s poultry industry.
Guests were welcomed by Duard Kleynhans, General Manager, Aviagen South Africa, followed by an opening address from Sergio Illán, President, Aviagen TMEA, before officially opening the facility and touring the expanded operations.
During his speech, Sergio acknowledged Aviagen South Africa’s customers and industry colleagues for the trust they have placed in the business for many years. He highlighted that while the industry has demonstrated remarkable resilience despite disease challenges, rising production costs and global market pressures, continued success will depend on ongoing investment, innovation and collaboration.
Duard highlighted that the expansion reflects Aviagen’s long-term commitment to South Africa and the customers it serves: “This opening represents much more than an expansion of our facilities. It reflects our long-term commitment to supporting our customers with reliable supply, world-class genetics and the expertise they need to grow their businesses. By investing in our facilities, our people and our capabilities, we are strengthening our ability to support sustainable poultry production and contribute to food security across South Africa.”
Representatives from Aviagen South Africa’s distributors also welcomed the investment.
“This investment demonstrates confidence in the future of South African agriculture and reinforces the importance of continued investment in local production, biosecurity and innovation. As a long-standing customer, we value Aviagen South Africa’s commitment to strengthening local breeding capacity and supporting a sustainable and resilient poultry industry,” shared Robert Roszkopf, Managing Director, Agriculture, Astral Foods.
Arno van der Nat, General Manager, Arbor Acres South Africa added: “The level of thought and planning that has gone into the design of these new facilities reflects Aviagen’s long-term commitment to the South African market. This investment provides an important foundation for the continued growth, resilience and sustainability of our poultry industry.”
“The scale of investment, technological sophistication and attention to detail evident throughout the new facilities are truly impressive. Aviagen has created a world-class operation that combines high standards of biosecurity, animal welfare and responsible breeding practices. These facilities strengthen the South African poultry value chain and reinforces the country’s ability to sustainably meet the growing demand for high-quality poultry,” commented Mbusi Dlamini, Breed & Agriculture Director, Rainbow Chickens.
