BANKS CROSSING, Ga. – Diana Food has launched its new 100,000-sq.-ft. chicken processing facility in Banks County, Georgia. Following its ribbon cutting and grand opening on Oct. 30, the site is now operational and expects to ship its first products before the end of the year.

“This new plant represents a significant milestone for Diana’s operations in America,” said Diana Food President Yannick Riou. “With more than 100,000 sq. ft. of space on 40 acres of land and an investment of over $60 million, we are able to apply a kitchen-like, gentle process to chicken on a massive scale. The result is that we can provide our customers with the best that fresh chicken has to offer.”

The theme of the plant’s grand opening and ribbon cutting was “Authenticity Happens Here,” which reflects the company’s philosophy toward sustainably-raised birds, the company said.

“Our supply chain will operate according to the highest quality standards and food safety criteria, deploying high animal welfare with ‘to the farm’ traceability,” Riou said.

Representatives of city, county and state governments were on hand at the grand opening event, as well as partners from local utilities and contractors. Attendees were taken on a guided tour of the plant.

“Because of the gentle and kitchen-like processing used at this facility, we are able to provide our customers with very high-quality chicken products that are consistent, safe, ambient stable and cost effective,” said Thomas Couepel, customer development manager for Diana Food. “Regardless of application, these products will set a new standard in chicken quality.”

Diana Food is part of the Symrise group, a global supplier of raw materials and ingredients for the meat industry. In addition to providing chicken broth, chicken powder and chicken fat, the new facility will manufacture products for its pet food and flavor business units.