Specht - Ten Elsen GmbH & Co KG is a German manufacturer and global supplier of advanced poultry housing systems, known for its engineering precision, high animal welfare standards, and long-standing commitment to innovation in the poultry farming industry. Headquartered in Sonsbeck, North Rhine-Westphalia, Specht has been serving the global poultry sector for over 60 years, offering custom-engineered housing solutions that meet the demands of modern egg and meat production.
Core Business
Specht’s core business lies in the design, production, and installation of:
- Cage systems for layer hens, pullets, breeders, and broilers
- Mobile poultry housing solutions
- Integrated accessories including feeding, egg collection, ventilation, and manure removal systems
All systems are engineered in-house and manufactured in Germany to meet the highest quality, biosecurity, and animal welfare standards.
Product and Service Offerings
Poultry Housing Systems
- Layer Cages: Designed to maximize egg production efficiency and bird comfort. Available in conventional and enriched formats for various market needs.
- Pullet Rearing Systems: Adaptable configurations with optimized space utilization for healthy bird development before transfer to laying systems.
- Breeder Cages: Engineered for optimal fertility, bird health, and biosecurity in parent stock flocks.
- Broiler Rearing Systems: High-density, welfare-compliant systems suitable for rapid growth and easy access to feed and water.
Mobile Stalls
- Mobile Stall 300 / 540 / 675: Modular, relocatable housing units offering flexibility, reduced environmental impact, and suitability for organic or free-range farming systems.
Accessories
- Feeding Systems: Automatic chain or pan feeding systems for uniform feed distribution.
- Egg Collection Systems: Conveyor-based systems for efficient egg handling and minimal breakage.
- Ventilation Systems: Integrated climate control solutions for temperature, humidity, and air quality regulation.
- Manure Removal Systems: Belt-based and scraper systems for hygienic waste management and odor control.
All systems are fully customizable and scalable to accommodate various farm sizes, from small family farms to industrial-scale operations.
Specialization and Unique Selling Proposition
Specht stands out through its:
- German-engineered modular systems designed for durability and adaptability
- Emphasis on animal welfare, in compliance with EU and international regulations
- Integration of automation and IoT readiness in feeding and environmental controls
- Proven expertise in custom solutions tailored to regional climate, bird species, and production goals
- Strong support network offering technical training and post-installation services
Their mobile stall systems have gained particular popularity in organic and pasture-based production models across Europe.
Financials and Business Strength
As a private company with over six decades of operations:
- Estimated annual revenue: €20–35 million, based on industry sourcing and export activity
- Employs over 100 staff, including engineers, project managers, and technical service teams
- Presence in more than 50 countries across Europe, Latin America, Asia, and Africa
- Strategic partnerships with local distributors and construction firms for turnkey project delivery
Specht has maintained steady growth with a reputation for reliability and long equipment lifespan, leading to strong customer loyalty and recurring business.
International Reach and Shipments
- Active in key poultry production markets such as Germany, Poland, France, Brazil, Indonesia, Egypt, and South Africa
- Turnkey project capabilities for greenfield and retrofit installations, including system planning, design, and assembly
- Export logistics optimized for container-based shipment and on-site modular assembly
- Supported by multilingual customer service and after-sales technical teams
Target Market
Specht serves a wide range of poultry operations:
- Commercial egg producers (cage, enriched, free-range, and organic)
- Hatcheries and breeder farms
- Broiler growers and integrators
- Organic and pasture-based poultry producers
- Poultry cooperatives and investment farms
- Animal housing contractors and agricultural engineers
Capabilities
- Full-cycle in-house engineering, design, and production facilities in Germany
- Advanced CAD and modeling tools for customized system layouts
- Project management for international installations and support
- Continuous R&D investments in climate-smart and automated systems
- Technical documentation and training available in multiple languages
Certifications and Compliance
- All products comply with EU Directive 1999/74/EC on animal welfare in laying hens
- Compliant with QS and IKB quality assurance standards for poultry housing
- Systems meet international certifications required for export (CE, DIN)
- Focus on sustainable materials, low maintenance, and energy efficiency
Customer Testimonials
“Specht’s layer cage systems are the most durable and maintenance-friendly we’ve used. Egg production has increased by 8% since the upgrade.”
— Production Manager, Egg Farm, Poland
“Their mobile housing gave us the flexibility needed for organic pasture operations. Easy to relocate, clean, and maintain.”
— Organic Farmer, France
Major Achievements
- Installed over 15 million bird places globally across all product lines
- Pioneered the Mobile Stall series, now widely adopted in the EU organic sector
- Regular exhibitor at EuroTier, VIV, and SPACE Rennes
- Recognized as a top-tier housing supplier by European integrators and cooperatives
- Long-standing partnerships with breeding companies and poultry equipment integrators
Specht - Ten Elsen GmbH & Co KG continues to uphold its legacy of German precision, engineering excellence, and customer-centric innovation in poultry housing, serving as a trusted partner for sustainable and efficient poultry farming worldwide.
