MEDIA RELEASE
Wellard has processed its one millionth head of livestock through its Kojonup abattoir, Beaufort River Meats (BRM).
The company hit the million milestone yesterday, three years after purchasing the abattoir. Coincidentally, its vessel, the MV Ocean Drover, carried its one millionth head of cattle late last month.
The majority of the animals processed at BRM are mutton, sheep and lambs. The remainder of the throughput includes rams, goats and some deer.
Previously BRM only supplied frozen product, however Wellard has developed a large, vibrant, air freight chilled carcase trade to the Middle East.
Wellard CEO Mauro Balzarini said the one million head milestone reflected the global demand for sheepmeat.
He said the recent appointment of Kelly Whitehouse, who has a vast experience in running abattoirs, as General Manager of Beaufort River Meats was already yielding results. Mr Whitehouse is currently implementing a series of processing improvements at the plant to further increase throughput. His experience is also being utilised to finalise the design Wellard’s Wellao Joint Venture abattoir in China.
“The processing upgrades at BRM are timely, as the Beaufort River Meats holds an export licence for China and we are starting to gain a foothold in that market. The upgrades will ensure we can deliver on the increase in demand,” Mr Balzarini said.
“The milestone is also important for the local community as Beaufort River Meats is an important employer in the region and the result is a testament of the hard work of all our staff.”
Beaufort River Meats has operated continually and seamlessly since Wellard began operating the abattoir in November 2012.
For further information please contact:
Cameron Morse
Phone: + 61 8 9485 8888
Mobile: +61 (0) 433 886 871