OREANDA-NEWS. August 19, 2008. Cherkizovo Group, one of Russia's leading integrated and diversified meat producers, announced the completion of reconstruction and commission of the first zone site, Vertunovka, which is part of its Vasiljevskaya poultry facility in Penza, the press-centre of Cherkizovo Group reported.

The first zone consists of 12 bird houses. After the reconstruction, which is expected to be complete by the end of 2009, Vertunovka will consist of 48 bird houses which are separated into four zones. When this reaches full capacity, the total production capacity is expected to be approximately 55 million incubatory eggs per year.

The young stock will be brought from Holland. In addition to the first zone, the Group is building two repair areas to supply the Vertunovka site.

The bird houses have all been adapted inline with Western high standards applied in the production of poultry and using state-of-the-art technologies. 

The Group has invested over US20 million in building and equipping the first zone site.  Once complete, the Group will have invested approximately US75 million in total on Vertunovka.  This is an important development for Cherkizovo as it will allow it to secure a supply of high quality incubatory eggs for the Group.

Sergey Mikhailov, CEO of Cherkizovo Group, said:
"We are very pleased to have completed this reconstruction and commission of the first zone site. Developing this facility is in line with our strategy to be Russia's leading poultry manufacturer, by improving our operational efficiency through the adoption of best practice technologies and standards."