Abattoir reopens

JBS Australia has reopened its abattoir in Cobram, after a five-year shutdown.

The company plans to open with 150 employees and hopes it can build that number to 350 as production is scaled up.

The plant will process lambs and goats for the domestic market and North America, Middle East, Asia and Europe.

The company said there had been a growing demand for lamb, goat and mutton proteins both in Australia and overseas.

Buyers are likely to be active in the Shepparton and Echuca sales centres.

The Cobram plant will operate five days a week, since February 6, with a capacity to process up to 4000 head of livestock per day in time.

“JBS Australia is proud to reopen its Cobram facility to support jobs and economic growth in the local community,” JBS Southern chief operating officer Sam McConnell said.

“Today’s changed market conditions and increasing demand for lamb products has allowed us to invest in this fit-for-purpose facility, which will partner with local businesses and livestock producers to deliver

Australian lamb, mutton and goat to domestic and international consumers.”

JBS is investing about $20 million in the latest processing and safety technologies to restart the Cobram plant.

The plant was last operational in 2017 and has been in care and maintenance mode since, consistent with the company’s objective to reopen it once market conditions supported its sustainable operation.

As part of the Great Southern and JBS Australia businesses, the Cobram facility will focus on delivering against a range of sustainability targets including CO2 reduction, water and energy conservation and people safety.

Due to the ongoing labour shortage JBS will be filling some roles via the Federal Government’s Pacific Australia Labour Mobility Scheme.

As an endorsed government-sponsored employer, JBS will support these Pacific Island workers through community engagement programs and help with accommodation.

There are a number of roles that remain available at the plant and JBS is encouraging applications from the Cobram community.

JBS Australia chief executive officer Brent Eastwood said JBS Australia was pleased to have the opportunity to work alongside the Cobram community again.

“This reinforces our commitment to continually invest in Australia, our facilities, our people and local businesses,” he said.

“Our customers, both here and overseas, are demanding high quality Australian lamb and goat produce.

“Reopening the Cobram facility has been a key priority for our business to meet this demand and explore growth opportunities overseas for the benefit of the local Cobram economy, livestock producers and our people.”

The company expects most of the 4000 head throughput will comprise of lambs and will be drawing the stock from NSW, Victoria, South Australia and Tasmania.