PUBLISHED September 26, 2022
The small stock meat plant at Bourke is back up and running, processing goats and creating jobs for the local community.
Thomas Foods International has re-opened the New South Wales processing facility it had acquired from Darling River Goat Exports in November last year.
TFI Chief Executive Officer Anthony Stewart said necessary initial upgrade works had been completed and the site was operational again.
“It’s great to have Bourke back up and running,” Mr Stewart said.
“TFI is excited to re-open this facility and we’re looking forward to working closely with farmers, providing jobs for local workers and economic support for the community.
“We see strong growth potential in Bourke and we’re investing significantly in this facility for the long run. Our current focus is to be processing around 3000 head per day of goat and sheep in the coming months as we build the local workforce.”
Goat is a popular meat across the globe with the market experiencing strong supply and high customer demand, particularly in the United States.
Mr Stewart today hosted an official visit from the Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole and NSW Minister for Agriculture Dugald Saunders who were on site to announce a $5 million grant as part of the Regional Job Creation Fund.
The grant from the NSW Government’s Regional Job Creation Fund Round Two will support TFI investment in scaling up production and will go towards new freezers and cold storage capacity.
The plant re-opening is already creating jobs for the local community. With the planned capital improvements and a focussed approach, TFI aims to create a sustainable workforce of up to 250 jobs over the coming years.
There are currently positions available for process workers (slaughter and boning staff) and also qualified trades including electricians and fitters to support the ongoing repairs and maintenance program of the facility. Anyone interested in applying can contact TFI by emailing [email protected] or call Su Lavery, HR Manager, on 0420 428 902.
The acquisition, re-commissioning and enhancement of the Bourke facility fits within a broader program of current investment activity by Australia’s largest 100% family-owned red meat processing company across its primary processing facilities including in Tamworth, Stawell, Lobethal and Murray Bridge.