RUSSIA: Auchan to build a meat processing plant in Russia | Progresiv
Auchan is about to launch the construction of a 2.5 billion roubles (approx. 40 million dollars) meat processing plant near the city of Tambov. This would allow the chain to control the quality of meat product that recently called into question by Russia's agricultural watchdog, Rosselkhoznadzor. Maria Kurnosova, external communications director at Auchan Russia, confirmed to RBC that the company would build a plant in the Tambov Region and would sign long-term cooperation agreements with local farmers. Local official specified that the plant with a capacity of 40,000 tons of meat per year will be located near the city of Tambov. 
The facility will process primarily cattle meat (23,000 tons), pork (15,000 tons) and lamb (2,000 tons). It will produce vacuum-sealed meat and semi-finished meat products. The investments are said to reach RUB 2.5bn (approx. USD 40m). The construction is slated for September, while the opening is expected in Q4 2016. The cooperation agreement was signed with regional authorities back in July. Alexander Dubovik, acting first deputy governor of the Tambov Region, pointed out that the official news about the launch of the project would be released at the beginning of September. Auchan was considering facilities in other regions such as Lipetsk and Voronezh. (www.futures.tradingcharts.com)
