Feed One Co., a major Japanese feed manufacturer, has announced plans to construct a state-of-the-art aquafeed production facility in Toyokawa, Aichi Prefecture. The project represents a substantial investment of approximately JPY 13 billion (USD 91 million) and is scheduled for completion by April 2028.
Upon completion, the company will transfer its current aquafeed production operations from the Chita factory to the new Toyokawa facility. However, livestock feed production will continue at the Chita site.
The new Toyokawa plant is expected to double the production capacity of the existing Chita factory. The company also anticipates a significant improvement in manufacturing efficiency, including a 15% reduction in fuel costs and a 50% reduction in labor costs compared to current operations.
Strategically located, the facility is designed to efficiently serve aquaculture regions across Japan, from Hokkaido to Okinawa. The site will include a manufacturing plant, a quality control laboratory, and a dedicated research and development (R&D) lab.
Feed One emphasized that Japan’s aquaculture industry is undergoing rapid transformation. Rising seawater temperatures are shifting suitable farming zones and changing aquaculture systems. In addition, the high cost and uncertain supply of fishmeal, which still constitutes about 40% of fish feed ingredients in Japan, present significant challenges.
Meanwhile, domestic demand for farmed fish is growing, driven by a decline in wild-caught fish. In response, Feed One is positioning the new Toyokawa facility as a strategic hub to enhance competitiveness, drive innovation, and support sustainable aquaculture practices.
As part of its R&D focus, the company aims to produce fishmeal-free feeds for stable production of farmed fish, the use of insect protein to maintain the health of farmed fish, new feed developments such as extremely small diameter feeds, and develop feeds for new fish species.
With a production system centered on the Kitakyushu Aquatic Feed Factory, the company produces around 110,000 metric tons of aquafeeds per year, distributing them nationwide.
