FINLAND – The Finland-based poultry company has inaugurated a new poultry facility in Nurmo, expanding its existing site with a €165 million (US$183.3 million) investment.
This figure surpasses the original budget of approximately €130 million (US$145 million) projected in 2019.
The new three-hectare plant, which was completed on schedule, boasts a processing capability of 15,000 birds per hour.
According to Atria, the new facility can process chickens from arrival to delivery within a span of four hours, ensuring next-day delivery to customers.
This expansion marks Atria’s largest investment to date.
The company has emphasized that the increased capacity is essential due to the long-term growth in demand for poultry products in both domestic and international markets.
The new plant is expected to enhance Atria Finland’s poultry production by roughly 40%.
Additionally, Atria has closed its poultry plant in Sahalahti and consolidated processing operations at the new Nurmo site.
The company also completed the acquisition of Gooh, a prepared foods firm previously owned by Swedish agribusiness Lantmännen, in May.
For the first half of the year, Atria reported a 1.6% decline in sales, totaling €871.2 million (US$966 million).
However, earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) increased by 26%, with the EBIT margin rising to 3% from 2.4%.
Net profit after tax also saw an 18% rise.
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