Aboitiz opens largest feed mill in Yunnan

The $23.1-million feed mill of Aboitiz Group’s integrated agribusiness and food subsidiary—the largest in the Yunnan province of China—is now up and running, signaling its stronger presence in the region.

In a statement, Pilmico and Gold Coin Group said the facility, powered by the latest equipment and technology, has a capacity of 150,000 metric tons (MT) but is also designed for expansion to a maximum of 500,000 MT. The plant will cater to more species, including swine, poultry, aqua and other ruminants.

READ: Pilmico expanding feed production hubs in China, Vietnam

The facility is expected to produce 75,000 MT this 2024.

“The launch of this new facility in Yuxi, Yunnan Province, is a testament to our commitment to expand our presence in key markets through investments in more efficient facilities across the region.

For this feed mill specifically, we worked with key stakeholders to embed some of the latest technology and automation equipment to enhance our processes and optimize feed mill efficiency,” Tristan Aboitiz, Pilmico and Gold Coin Group president and chief executive officer, said on Monday.

“This mill is the second of its kind in our China-based operation. It will ensure that our customers are provided with the highest quality feed across multiple categories,” he added.

READ: Aboitiz group boosting nonpower businesses

Aside from this facility in China, the Aboitiz Group has also an upcoming feed mill in Vietnam, which can produce 200,000 MT. This is expected to be completed within the second quarter, expanding Pilmico’s livestock business in the Southern region of Vietnam.

In April of this year, Aboitiz said the company was pursuing these projects as part of their strategic moves “to enhance our service capabilities across the region to be able to appeal to a more diverse spread of customers.”

For 2024, parent firm Aboitiz Equity Ventures Inc. allotted nearly P4 billion for Pilmico and Gold Coin Group to widen their footprint in agribusiness.

Pilmico and Gold Coin Group’s business comprises four divisions: flour, feeds, farms and commodity solutions. Pilmico is also considered the country’s top pork meat supplier. INQ