Andrew Hignett, managing director of Hy-Line UK began his retirement celebrations on 18th May in style, arriving at Billesley Manor, Stratford upon Avon by helicopter! One hundred guests, among them colleagues, family, friends and leading figures in the poultry world, gathered to mark Andrew's departure after 12 successful years with Hy-Line UK and 46 years in the industry.
The evening recalled Andrew's rise from farm worker to Nuffield scholar, Chairman of the Central Egg Agency, managing director of Hy-Line UK and member of the NFU Poultry Board, among other significant appointments. With Louise Butler, Hy-Line's marketing manager acting as master of ceremonies, speakers included Dr Dennis Casey, former President of Hy-Line International, Dirk Wesjohann, owner and Chairman of Hy-Line and David Tromans, former managing director of Deans Foods, who have worked with Andrew for many years.
Andrew's introduction to the poultry industry began at 18, while working with his cousin Alan Beckett as a farm worker on a 12,000 cage unit in the West Midlands. Over the next three decades they increased the flock to 500,000 layers over a number of sites, accumulating awards and international recognition in the process, including the Spillers/Poultry World European Egg Marketing trophy.
Over the years Andrew has travelled the world with the Nuffield Scholars, a connection which began in 1975 after he won a Nuffield Scholarship to research egg marketing in the USA; a trip that resulted in the establishment of the Central Egg Agency, of which he is still Chairman. Other appointments have included his chairmanship of Worcestershire NFU, Director of the Agricultural Training Board and long serving member of the NFU Headquarters Poultry Committee.
When Andrew joined Hy-Line in 1995, it supplied just 7% of the UK market with day-old chicks for egg laying. By 2001, its market share was approaching 40%. The state-of-the-art Millennium Hatchery is now responsible for hatching over 60% of the total UK market in chick breeding, with the capacity to produce 21.5 million female commercial chicks per year. Increased efficiency and production levels have also allowed Hy-Line UK to export parent stock to over 45 countries worldwide.
Having enjoyed such an eventful and successful career, it seems unlikely that Andrew Hignett will be indulging in too relaxed a retirement! Of his farewell dinner at Billesley Manor, he commented, "It was wonderful to see so many of my family, friends and trusted colleagues gathered together to celebrate what has been a real journey. My thanks go out to all of them for their support." In closing, Andrew wished Robert Cockworth, the new Managing Director of Hy-Line UK every success for the future and commented that although at present the egg industry was going through many changes, it remains one of the most exciting and challenging agricultural sectors to work in.
