In October 2016, Alan became involved in De Heus’s India project. Initially, his role focused on finding a suitable feed mill for rent and setting up operations. What began as a preliminary phase evolved into an ambitious greenfield project that officially commenced in the second quarter of 2023. This phase included land acquisition, factory design, and obtaining the necessary permits. The challenge was not just to establish a new factory but to integrate it into a rapidly evolving market.

The decision to invest in India was driven by several key factors. India’s increasing protein consumption, coupled with rising GDP and a large population, presents significant opportunities. Furthermore, animal feed production in India remains largely manual, which presents De Heus with a chance to introduce new technologies and automation, enhancing both efficiency and local industry development.  

Throughout the Greenfield project in India, Alan has faced various challenges, including differences in working methods, cultural variations, and professional standards. Despite these challenges, much of what was encountered was anticipated due to De Heus’s extensive experience in India, allowing for thorough planning and preparation. This experience has helped the team focus on sustainable production methods from the start, addressing logistical data monitoring, compliance with supplier codes, and environmental impact reduction. Additionally, they are working on solutions for waste management, recycling, and climate resilience, tackling issues like polypropylene bag processing and handling extreme temperatures and flooding.

Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) standards are always a top priority for De Heus. During both the construction and operational phases of the factory, local HSE regulations are adhered to as a minimum. However, De Heus implements its own higher HSE standards, ensuring that safety and well-being are maintained at the highest level.