Feedmaster's new feed mill under construction in Namibia, which is estimated to cost N$75 million, is running on track. The new state-of-the-art animal feed production line will manufacture feed for the broiler industry, layer (egg) industry and swine industry. Managing director at Feedmaster, Andre Snyman, stated that the commissioning of the new animal feed production line is expected to happen in Oct this year.
"I am also pleased to announce an upgrade at the current feed mill," Snyman confirmed. He explained that this investment is set to increase the output at the existing ruminant feed plant allowing the company to exceed the demands of their customers. The upgrade to the production line is forecast to take place as a phases with total completion is estimated close to the end of next year.
The new dedicated mono-gastric feed plant is being being built on Farm Otjihavera just north of Okapuka Farm, their NPI broiler farm.
"The capacity at the new feed mill will be 10 000 tons per month. In addition, at least 40 new jobs will be created at the new feed mill," Snyman said.
The present Feedmaster feed mill will be converted into a specialised ruminant feed mill. The existing feed plant has been compliant with ISO 9000 and ISO 22000, since 2007. Essentially, this certificate also makes the Feedmaster feed mill is in compliance with European Union (EU) standards.
"The upgrade of the current feed mill will enable Feedmaster to enlarge its market share in the ruminant market (cattle and small stock)," Snyman explained.
With the new animal feed production line on its way, Feedmaster's total yearly processing output is forecast to grow to 136 000 tons per year. Snyman emplhasised, "The ruminant sector will still form 75% of the total annual feed output and therefore, this sector will remain strategically important to Feedmaster".
Feedmaster is a subsidiary of the NMI Group which was established in 1983 as a small feed milling operation with the aim to add value to useable milling by-products. Now, in addition with its mixing operation in Upington, Feedmaster manufactures a encompassing range of animal feeds, with a yearly production output of over 90 000 tonnes.
