Lay Hong enters JV with NH Foods to penetrate new markets

(From left) Lay Hong Bhd executive director Yap Chor How, executive chairman Yap Hoong Chai, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Seri Ir. Dr. Wee Ka Siong, NH Foods Ltd vice president and representative director Yoshihide Hata and executive officer Hideki Fujii after the signing ceremony of the joint venture agreement.

KUALA LUMPUR: Lay Hong Bhd has entered into a joint-venture (JV) with Japan-based NH Foods Ltd to, among others, make and sell processed meat-based foods.

This is part of the plan by processed chicken and chicken-related product supplier to expand overseas, especially to markets with large potential like Singapore and Japan.

Under the agreement, a private limited company, NHF Manufacturing (M) Sdn Bhd, will be set up to manufacture, market, distribute and sell processed meat-based foods.

“The JV agreement will enable Lay Hong to leverage on NH Food’s research and development (R&D) as well as manufacturing skills, to enable overseas market penetration.

“In addition, the JV is expected to improve Lay Hong’s financial position in the long run and transform from a poultry player to an integrated food company,” said Lay Hong executive director Yap Chor How after the JV signing ceremony.

Meanwhile, meat processor NH Foods will be able to enhance its business presence in the South-East Asian market through the JV company.

In Malaysia, the poultry sector is the biggest component of livestock industry and it is supplying about 81% of total meat and almost 111% egg demand by the domestic market. 

Malaysia is the third largest producer of poultry meat in the Asia-Pacific region.