Ross Breeders Africa is set to invest US$17mn in the expansion of its operations in Zambia
The firm, which has operations in South Africa, Botswana and Zambia, has said that it would inject the funds in building a new broiler hatchery near Chongwe, Lusaka Province, additional breeder houses, a new 'Grand Parent' farm in Mazabuka, staff housing and ancillary buildings.
"The project will be completed in stages with the commercial hatchery planned for completion by October 2013 and GP farm and parent breeder houses by the end of 2014," a company statement read.
"The entire project is budgeted to cost US$17mn and should provide extra 200 jobs in the poultry sector, together with significant increases in export revenues."
Once completed, the hatchery could hatch one million day old broiler chicks per week.
"This investment shows our faith in Zambia both as an expanding economy and a hub for our Grand Parent project which exports parents all over southern and central Africa as well as providing the local industry with Ross 308 broilers and parents," said Ross Breeders Zambia managing director Colin Lindsay.
Ross Breeders is part of the CBH Limited Group, who has been listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE).
