The largest independent, non-integrated, day-old chick supplier in Southern Africa, Eagles Pride Hatchery, has taken delivery of two Serco-built truck bodies designed specifically for transporting day-old chicks.

The air-conditioned interiors have an upgraded floor design which ensures an even air flow around the interior of the vehicle and around the cargo.

Eagles Pride Hatchery was established in 2001 and supplies millions of broiler day-old chicks per week. The company supplies six days per week on a continuous basis from its hatcheries in Pretoria, Hekpoort, Bronkhorstspruit and Koster to growers across many provinces and neighbouring countries like Botswana and Swaziland

Certified fit for export by the National Department of Agriculture, the hatcheries supply a big percentage of the total broiler day-old chicks produced in South Africa. Fertile hatching eggs are produced by broiler breeders.

Managing Director Charl Coetzee said the emphasis was on providing vehicles that were affordable and dependable as well as ensuring optimum transport solutions for very fragile cargo of day-old chicks.

Key product features include an emergency air vents, mixing chambers to regulate the air flow and extractors on the roof to ensure the utmost comfort and safety of the day-old chicks.

Coetzee said it was Serco’s first sales deal for Eagles Pride Hatchery and a possibility of further business with the company in the near future

Transport Manager, Werner Van der Walt who is based in Bronkhorstspruit, said the trucks were additions and upgrades to the company’s existing fleet

“We chose Serco because they offered a great deal and we were impressed with the quality of their product.  Added to that we received excellent before and after sales service from the Serco team”.