Dutch group Hendrix Genetics and French company Grelier have completed their Pan European agreement to join forces in poultry breeding and distribution. The new Group, whose UK operation is Peterborough based Joice and Hill, will employ over 2,000 people across Europe with expected sales of €300 million.
Grelier was founded in 1955 by the late Joseph Grelier. Its activities include the breeding, multiplication and hatching of turkey, chicken and guinea-fowl. With production facilities in France, Poland and Hungary, the group has sales to more than 38 countries and employs more than 1.000 staff.
Hendrix Genetics headquartered at Boxmeer in the Netherlands, is a leading multi -species breeding company, with 5 divisions. These are layer breeding, pig breeding, turkey breeding, poultry distribution and aquaculture breeding.
In the UK, Joice and Hill enjoy a reputation for technical excellence, supplying Bovans Brown day old chicks from Hendrix Genetics breeding stock for both free range suppliers and the major packers. Landcatch, who supply Atlantic salmon broodstock and juveniles, are also based in the UK.
The new group will continue a joint dedication to providing innovative and sustainable genetic solutions to the animal protein sector in more than 100 countries, with wholly owned operations and joint ventures in 24 countries .
Joice and Hill Managing Director Nick Bailey commented "The egg market remains challenging but we are convinced that the group strength and Hendrix Genetics reputation for genetic excellence, gives Joice and Hill the resources and backing we need to develop our unique partnership approach to the sector"
