De Heus expands with new factory in Middelburg, South Africa

SOUTH AFRICA – De Heus South Africa, a leading player in the animal feed industry, has officially broken ground on its brand-new feed mill in Middelburg, Eastern Cape. 

This significant investment marks a major milestone for the company as it strengthens its presence in South Africa’s agricultural sector. 

The groundbreaking ceremony took place on March 3, 2025, with company executives, local officials, and farming community members in attendance to celebrate the launch of this ambitious project.

The new factory, which will specialise in ruminant feeds, is set to have an impressive production capacity of 15,000 tons per month. 

It is strategically located to serve the vast Karoo region, known for its sheep farming for wool and meat and beef cattle and dairy farms in irrigated areas. 

This remote region has long faced challenges in accessing high-quality livestock nutrition, making the presence of De Heus an essential development for farmers in the area. 

By bringing high-quality nutrition closer to local farmers, De Heus aims to enhance livestock productivity, improve profitability, and support the region’s agricultural growth.

“We’re excited to bring top-notch animal nutrition to this region to develop agriculture and support local communities,” said Co de Heus, Chairman of the Board of Royal De Heus. “Based on the strong performance of our South African team in the past few years, we’re confident that this new facility will be a great success.”

The facility is expected to commence production in August 2026, bringing much-needed resources and employment opportunities to the Eastern Cape.

This new factory will join an array of other feed mills De Heus already operates across South Africa, strategically positioned to ensure reliable supply to farmers nationwide. 

The existing mills include one located in Mkhambathini, KwaZulu-Natal, one in Klerksdorp, another in Kleinberg and another in Modimolle, Limpopo, catering to the nutritional needs of poultry, ruminants, and swine. 

Commitment to sustainability and innovation

In other developments, De Heus South Africa recently invested in a solar park in Modimolle aimed at cutting greenhouse gas emissions and improving operational resilience. 

This initiative, which provides renewable energy to one of its production facilities, highlights De Heus’s dedication to eco-friendly feed production. The company’s long-term goal includes expanding its use of renewable energy across multiple locations, reinforcing its commitment to reducing carbon emissions.

“Our commitment to sustainability is driven by our belief in protecting the planet for future generations,” said Gertjan Verbeek, International Technical Project Manager at De Heus. “The solar park mitigates the risks associated with power outages and enables us to keep the factory up and running cleaner and greener.”

With an ongoing push toward renewable energy and sustainable practices, De Heus seeks to set new standards in the animal nutrition industry.

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