Cobb-Vantress, Inc., a leading poultry research and development firm and subsidiary of Tyson Foods, Inc., will begin construction on a new $22 million feed mill in Joanna, South Carolina. The project will start early in 2016, with completion planned towards the middle of 2017.

The state-of-the-art mill in Laurens County will supply feed to Cobb’s grandparent breeder farms in North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia, as well as a great grandparent farm in Georgia. Based on current needs, the mill will produce around 1,200 tons per week using the latest technology for pathogen reduction including a ‘hygieniser’ for heat treating the feed ingredients before pelleting. Additionally, environmental controls will regulate air flow to prevent cross contamination.

Another important feature will be a dedicated rail spur in order for supplies to be transported from other production regions in the US. Grain may also be used from the local market for delivery by truck.

“We want to ensure that we have a long-term internal feed supply that will give us complete control over the consistency and quality of the end product. This is Cobb’s third feed mill in the U.S., the others being in Siloam Springs, Arkansas, and in Albany, Kentucky. With the completion of the Joanna feed mill, we will internally produce all of our feed supply for pedigree operations through to grandparents,” said Cobb-Vantress, Inc. Director of World Technical Services Dr. Steve Bolden.

“It’s always exciting to see a company make the decision to invest and create jobs in one of our rural communities. Cobb-Vantress’ $22 million investment further proves what we have known for a long time – that the Team South Carolina approach to building an elite workforce and a competitive business environment is working, and that’s a reason to celebrate across the state,” said Governor Nikki Haley.

“Agri-business has long been a stable of the South Carolina economy as well as Laurens County’s. Cobb-Vantress’ investment in our community further illustrates just how important agriculture is to our State and Community, Laurens County Development Corporation Chairman Stan Bryson said.