Company / Investment in the UK
The Millennium Hatchery is now widely regarded as the greatest innovation in the industry, winning international acclaim for its achievements. As well as cutting-edge technology, the Hatchery has the highest standards of health, hygiene and welfare. So our continued investment in technological innovation not only improves our own practices, but also benefits the whole industry.
We remain committed to a continued programme of investment, ensuring all our customers enjoy the benefits. By guaranteeing the highest level of one-to-one service and support, the number of customers choosing to work with us is growing all the time and it’s our inventive approach and determination to set new industry standards throughout the world, that puts Hy-Line UK in a league of its own.
Beak treatment
As a pioneer and investor in technological innovation, we have introduced a groundbreaking method of beak treatment at the Millennium Hatchery.
We now have six specialist machines, which treat the hard keratin of the beak with infrared energy. The tip of the beak then falls away in around 21 days without any kind of mutilation. So, as you can see, the welfare of the birds is at the heart of this technological breakthrough.
We were one of the driving forces that persuaded the BEIC and the Government to conduct landmark beak treatment trials. Already in use in the USA, Australia and many other countries, Hy-Line was determined to introduce this revolutionary equipment to the UK
Freedom Food
Following recommendations from the RSPCA Farm Animal Department and landmark ruling, Freedom Food, the UK’s welfare assurance scheme, has recognised Hy-Line UK for its pioneering infrared beak treatment procedure.
This means all birds now heading for Freedom Food sites can be beak treated for an initial twelve-month period. We’ve long championed infrared beak treatment as the most accurate, safe and humane form of treatment and the Freedom Food stamp of approval is a very important endorsement.
Investment in the UK
The Millennium Hatchery.
Soon after our foundation in 1995, Hy-Line UK held a 7% market share. This quickly increased and in 2000 we made our largest single investment with the opening the £6million, state-of-the-art Millennium Hatchery. This facility now hatches over 60% of the total UK chick market, increasing production from 5 million to 21.5 million female chicks per year. Increased efficiency has also allowed us to export parent stock to over 45 countries.