Tag Archives: abattoirs operating timelines

Cloncurry #2 (Proposed)

Australian Abattoirs, Central QLD, Cloncurry #2 (Proposed), Cloncurry #2 (Proposed), Queensland 27/07/2013 Leave a comment

Current Operation

  • Proposal investigated 2012

Location

  • 120 km East of Mt Isa

Australia. Cloncurry

CloncurrySource – Hema Australia Handy map 9th edition.

Owner

  •  

 Operation

  •  

History

 2012

  • October.DAFF release Feasibility study and investment report for Cloncurry proposal2
  • Study conducted and handed to North Beef consultants Oct 20121
  • Nth West QLD – report – commercial viability
    • Proposal to process 400 head a day = 100,000 head a year3
    • Infrastructure would cost $49M, doesn’t include land, services required by governement.3
    • Match of investment by government expect $10 – $28M3
    • Operating costs at Cloncurry would be higher due to input and output freight costs3
    • Throughput of livestock would be detrimental in to mainly Townsville abattoir3
    • Model suggest $41 head supply chain cost saving due to freight, processor would retain 40-60% to cover freight costs.3
  • Nth West QLD – report – opportunities
    • Would be expect to draw 170,000 head a year of slaughter ready cattle4
      • NW QLD      96,000 head4
      • NT              14,000 head4
      • locals/culls    5,000 head4
      • Expected starting estimate of 115,000 head to be able to process.4
  • Expected Hot standard carcase weight (HSCW) is the weight of carcase after slaughter4
    • Bulls all weights. Make up market supply of 10-15%4
    • Trade cows 180kg – 350kg. Make up market supply of 20-30%4
    • Young steers/Heifers 235-350kg Make up market supply of 30-45%4
    • Grass fed/grain fed Steers/bullocks 265-350kg Make up market supply of 10-20%4
    • Jo Bloomfield. Note at yield of 50% these HSCW mean liveweights of cows to be minimum 360kg, Young steers 470kg and heavy steers 530kg.
  • Payroll estimates 220 employees, would require non traditional shift structure, and use of 457 visas and would compete with mining and resource sectors4
  • marginal return expected on investment4

 

Sources

  1. ‘Northern plants jockey for processing position’ Stock Journal 25.10.12
  2. ‘Minister favours Cloncurry abattoir’ QLD Country Life 11.10.12
  3. Evaluating commercial viability of an northern outback QLD meat processing facility (2012)
  4. Nth West QLD abattoirs, opportunities (2012)

Robb Jetty

Australian Abattoirs, Peel Region, Robb Jetty, Western Australia 24/06/2013 Leave a comment

Other names

  • Fremantle Freezing and Meat works7

Current Operation

  • Closed, is now a historic site with a preserved chimney of the original meat processing works.6

coogee-chimney-01-2012

Source – http://www.mingor.net/

Robbs Jetty meat processing site, historic chimney that has been preserved at the site.

Location              

  • Fremantle Freezing and meat works7

Australia. Robb Jetty

Map. Robb JettySource – Hema Maps. Australia Truckies Atlas.

Owner

  • Fremantle Freezing and Meat Works7
  • Western Australian Meat Preservers7
  • Western Australian Meat Exporters7

                               

Operation

  • Processed cattle and sheep
  • Had access from sea for unloading barges and railhead for inland animals
  • Export2
  • Operated originally by the WA Meat co-operative
  • had a long pier/jetty going to the ocean – named Robs Jetty.
  • Cattle transported from North WA, barges would unload onto jetty and animals walk to abattoir.
  • Closed due to population pressure, other abattoirs & prices

 History          

1850’s

  • Meat houses constructed in the area to service the convict establishment at Femantle Gaol7

1894 

  • Duracks (Kimberley’s) through agents Francis Conner and Dennis Doherty shipped cattle to Fremantle5
  • Dame Mary Durack- ‘Sons in the saddle’ – cattle originally swam to shore, now offloaded onto a jetty5
  • Cattle getting £3 a head in south markets, started their own Live Export to Manila5
  • Slaughterhouses established in the area, known as ‘Kimberley Meat Ring’, they had a monopoly on meat supply to metropolitian and Goldfields7.
    • Forrest, Emaual and Co
    • Conner, Doherty and Durack

1898

  • Railway was built from Fremantle to Robb Jetty6
  • Same period abattoir was built in Fremantle – consisted of offices, holding yards, freezer and chiller facilities6

1919

  • Robb Jetty constructed – prior to construction animals unloaded into the water and swam to shore7
  • Robb jetty abattoir constructed, portion being the preserved chimney – Known as Fremantle Freezing and Meat works. Capacity limited to few thousand lambs per year7
  • Abattoir also was cold store for potatoes, fruit, manufactured ice and carried out wool scouring7

1940

  • Robb Jetty company in financial strife, Commonwealth government stepped in to provide help.7

1942

  • Company bought out by government, changed name to Western Australian Meat Preservers’ latter to ‘Western Australian Meat Exporters’7
  • Abattoir diversified to include fruit storage, egg pulp, turtle and crayfish processing7

1966  

  • Ship – Centaur,passenger liner that carried 4000 sheep below decks. turned every fortnight from Singapore, Kuala Lumpar & Perth, return trip would pick up at Broome from Emaual stations and taken to Fremantle, sold at Robbs Jetty saleyards5 Pg 25

1970’s

  • Jetty dismantled, possibly in 1960’s6

1988/89     

  • Abattoir closed by the National Party3

1992

  • Numerous attempt to revive competitiveness failed and was shut down7

1994

  • Equipment removed from building.7
  • Chimney is only part remaining, listed on the State register of Heritage Places.6

1996

  • State Government supplied $50,000 for restoration of chimney.7

Sources

  1. Personal Communication #1 28.01.13
  2. Parliament Hansard. S. Thomas. 17.08.05
  3. Parliament Hansard M Trenorden 17.08.05
  4. ‘Brief History of the WA Lamb Marketing board’ www.wammco.com.au
  5. ‘The Australian Livestock export trade’ Nigel Austin 2011
  6. ‘South Fremantle, Western Australia’ Wikipedia, 24.06.13
  7. ‘Interim Heritage listing for Robb Jetty Chimney’ Richard Lewis, Ministerial Media statement. 23.08.96

Harvey

Australian Abattoirs, Harvey, Peel Region, Western Australia 21/06/2013 Leave a comment

Other Names

  • Harvey Beef

Current Operation

  • Operating as at 2013. Establishment #648

Location              

  • Harvey WA. 160km S of Perth
  • rolling foothills of the Darling Range, 3km from Township of Harvey.

Australia. Harvey

Map. Harvey

Owner

  • Joint venture – Harvey Beef Industries. General Manager Dean Goode7
  • Harvey Indsutries group purchased for $27M 20068
    • Harvey Industries group is owned by International private equity firm – Harmony Capital management10
  • Others in Group with Harvey Beef Industries
  • Elders – 20% stake – sold to Harmony Investment Fund (Harmony Capital) $0.7M, June 20098
  • Stark Investments sold to Harmony Investment Fund, June 20098

Operation

  • Site is 190ha10
  • 180 ac kill 100 000 animals1
  • 175 0002 (3,500hd a week)– assume when upgrades done about 2004/2005
  • Processes 145,0009
  • Largest processor in WA9
  • Harvey also operate Harvey Industries Processing Centre (HIPC) – a boning facility in Fremantle10
  • Cattle only5
  • export accredited, does operate in domestic, main focus is export2
  • Domestic – process 11% of states supply for WA4
  • Processed 80-90% of beef export (prior to Waroona closing)6
  • Medium sized2
  • 700 workers2
  • Processes large steers, area of Capel, for export, only ab to be able to process the large animals3
  • $150M turnover4
  • Export to 30 countries – Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, USA, Canada,Japan, Korea,Taiwan, Middle East4 & 10
  • 70% of Harvey beef product is exported10
  • Could process 210 0004
  • Food safety processes in place
    • Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points (HACCP) – process used for identification, evaluation & control.1
    • Onsite microbiological labratory accredited by the government National testing authority10
    • Underpinned by comprehensive standard operating procedures10
    • AQIS oversees meat hygiene, safety regulations and certification10
    • NLIS – use for identification and tracking of animals.10
  • Harvey Beef is accredited by globally recognised standards10.
    • USDA Approval
    • JAS Accreditation
    • MSA/EQA – gaurantees eating quality
    • Halal Religious and cultural criteria
    • Ausmeat A+ accreditation
    • Exceeds ISO standards under AQS

History

1919

  • Cited as the start of the establishment of WA largest beef producer at the site10

1924  

  • Built by Ernest and Mary Green1

1939 

  • Transported meat wholesale to metropolitan areas1

1945  

  • Company EG Greens and Sons Pty Ltd established.1
  • Started to acquire pastoral land – Balmoral Station & farms, Raised stock, shorthorns, Herefords, fat lambs, pastoral leases in NW, covered 1M hectares1

1959 

  • Granted export licence, continued to buy land, horse breeding and pastoral activities1.
  • Abattoirs improved and modernised, brine curing plants to handle skins and export of leather1.

2002 

  • Utilisation rate 60% – Industry average 70%5

2004

  • Utilisation rate 90% – Industry average 85%with 70-80% export5

2005  

  • Mentioned in review

“it is critical that this firm remains profitable and efficient to ensure the industry can continue to grow”2

  • Recently made additions to plant on slaughter floor and boning rooms2
  • Shut – Causes of downturn, drought, influx of cheap meat imports, LE and changing markets1
  • National Australia Bank/AWB landmark/Elders placed under recieivership2
  • Harvey had 90% of export market
  • Loss of Harvey result in direct cash loss of $8.5M in the town alone, multiplier $1.10 for every dollar lost, $2.10 equates to $17.5M/yr2
  • Corporate decisions cited as main problem causing closure2 & 4
  • Attempted to rationalise assets – sale of stations, Abattoir had 2 very bad trading months2
  • Some creditors owed $1M, producers $250 000, are others owed4

2006 

  • Purchase $27M – Harvey Industries Group8

2009  

  • March. WA largest abattoir – bargaining with unions “cost parity it needs to be competitive”
  • Workers rejected a 3 year workplace agreement for the 2nd time, 1st rejected month earlier. 160 workers since made redundant7
  • 115 voted against/99 in favour, would have led to a pay cut of 20% for 1/3 of workforce for 3 years7
  • Alternative may be short term agreement, wage cuts lasting 2 years some entitlement provisions7
  • April. 160 workers redundant, remaining workers accepted pay cut8
  • June. Harmony Capital buy all of Stark Investments and Elders shares in Harvey Beef8
  • Values company at $3.5M, 3 years previously paid $27M8???????? $3.5 sounds too low.
  • Harvey Beef website (accessed 22.06.13) updated 17.08.09.
    • Processing 145,000 grass and grain fed animals a year.10
    • Employs 300 people10

     

2013

  • Harvey Beef Website (accessed 22.06.13) undated Fact sheet.
    • Employees 650.10
    • Processing capacity 4,500 per week10
    • By products Hides, Meat and bone meal, blood meal and tallow10

2014

  • Andrew Forrest Minderoo group purchase for more than $30M11
  • Craig Mostyn Group – WA biggest pork processor had attempted to buy the facility11

Sources

  1. Harvey History Online. Undated
  2. Parliament Hansard 17.08.05.P Omodei.
  3. Parliament Hansard 17.08.05 S. Thomas
  4. Parliament Hansard 17.08.05. M Trenorden
  5. WAMIA . Meat Processors (2013)
  6. Parliament Hansard K. Chance 13.10.98
  7. ‘Harvey Beef workers vote against workplace agreement but new proposal offers hope’ AFN 27.03.09
  8. ‘Private equity firm snares Harvey Beef’ AFN 16.06.09
  9. ‘Northern Australian beef industry – Assessment of risks and opportunities’ ABARE 2012
  10. http://www.harveybeef.com.au/index.php/home
  11. ‘Craig Mostyn sell-off aims to boost growth’ Stock & Land 07.08.2014

Dinmore

Australian Abattoirs, Dinmore, Queensland, Southern QLD 19/06/2013 Leave a comment

Current Operation

  • Aus Meat Accreditation registration dated 29/12/2015 #235 – JBS Australia Pty Ltd (Dinmore).13
    • registered as a Beef, Offal export facility.13
  • Direct employment enquiries to www.jbssa.com.au  

Location              

  • South east QLD
  • 40 km west of Brisbane. 9km east of Ipswich

 Owner

  • AMH (1999)4
    JBS Australia

Operation          

  • Export – Beef, Offal1
  • (1999) Nominal capacity 625,000hd per 50 weeks4
  • Slaughtering, boning, packaging, by-products rendering and hide processing
  • Spent 10’s Millions $ over past 10 years on environmental/sustainability projects, in areas like water treatment, establishing excellent performance creditials in the environmental area2
  • “Site operates with arguably the most stringent environmental license conditions on waste water management, motor and other noise abatement of any meat plant in Australia”2.

Dinmore photo. _edited-1Source 2007 Feedback MLA

Other historical and current meat processing facilities located in Australia can be viewed at;

Australian abattoirs inactive map

abattoirs_edited-1

History of Dinmore #235

1990

8. ABARES Nov 2011_edited-1

Proportion of cattle slaughtered by ownership of abattoirs 1990
Source ABARES foreign ownership 2011 Pg 31

1991

  • 77 Beef export Abattoirs are in operation in Australia at this time.19
    • 27 have some level of foreign ownership.19
    • Ownership dominated by Japan, UK and the US.19

1996

  • AMH intend to spend $50M upgrading Dinmore as part of $90M capital investment program across six Australian operations6
    • AMH controlled by big US rural commodities trader – ConAgra, a major exporter from North America6
    • AMH accounts for 16.5% of Australia’s beef kill.6
      • currently owns another 8 facilities but will be consolidating to 5 and closing Beaudesert (QLD), Guyra and Portland (Vic)7
        • others owned Dinmore, Townsville, Rockhampton and Aberdeen6
            • Author note – not sure of 8th.
        • Intended that 300 jobs would be replaced at Dinmore when expansion completed there6

1999 

  • AMH owned at this point4
  • Is the largest plant in QLD at this point.

2005

  • Significant regions of drought across QLD.

QLD Drought 2003_2005_edited-1

Queensland drought situation 2003 – 2005 www.longpaddock.qld.gov.au

2007_2009_edited-1

Queensland drought situation 2007 – 2009 www.longpaddock.qld.gov.au

2010  

  • Will drop from 11 to 9 shifts over a 5 day week this year in light of the livestock supply and demand challenges3
  • Between Townsville and Dinmore plant 430 people laid off.8
  • Dinmore current operating capacity 3,300 head a day.10
    • Mainly to Export 75% – Japan, US, Korea, Taiwan and Indonesia.10
  • Dinmore employs approximately 2,000 workers.10
    • About 1,700 work in production roles across 2 shifts Monday to Friday.10
    • The remainder are cleaning, maintenance and head office functions.10
    • Most Employees are male 70% employed and full-time casuals.10
    • Around 20% are from overseas – 457 Visa’s China and Brazil.10
    • 5 year EBA is currently in place, no piecework incentives provided.10
    • most workers said to be be union members.10
      • walking delegate employed on site.10
    • Company has strong internal promotion culture aimed at increasing retention.10

IBIS Jun 2010_edited-1

Major Companies in the Australian Red meat processing industry

Source IBIS world June 2010

2011

  • January. Devastating floods across Central and southern QLD and large parts of NSW and Victoria.21
    • affected slaughter numbers to abattoirs.21
  • July.National slaughter rates decline 5%.22
    • Australian currency pressures.22
      • A$ is now above US108c.22
      • economic news out of US could send currency even higher.22
      • higher A$ would cripple Australia’s already limited price competitiveness for beef in international markets.22
    • QLD which does approximately half of Australia’s processing capacity.22
      • Down 8% from the previous week.22
      • lowest kill recorded in QLD in July for past decade.22
      • Down 21% on same period last year.22
      • Significant number of QLD plants only killing 3-4 days.22
    • listless export beef demand.22
    • Meat processing and export is low-margin business due to.22
      • Import duties.22
        • Indonesia 9%.22
        • Korea 40%.22
        • Japan 38%.22
      • New AQIS charges on meat inspection would add millions to processor costs.22
    • Is currently a big build up of meat in cold stores due to difficulty in selling into sluggish markets, Japan and the US.22

7. ABARES Nov 2011_edited-1

Red Meat throughput Australian abattoirs, Foreign and Australian owned 2011 Source ABARES foreign ownership 2011 Pg 29

2012  

  • Govt. grant $4.4M with JBS own $4.4M upgrade its waste water treatment system, installing new pre-treatment equipment and covered anaerobic lagoon technology2.
  • Company’s carbon tax liability was expected to cost $3.5M yr,($23/t) project will save $1M in energy costs and cut liability each year by $790,000.
  • Still doesn’t place Dinmore plant below 25,000t threshold, to get below that would cost a further $16M.

2013

  • “JBS is in the process of supporting the transition of it’s 457 workforce to permanent residency”5
  • 457’s residency requires certain level of english speaking, International English language testing system level 5. – often above the level meat workers most parts of world can reach5
  • Recently completed a $50M upgrade employing most modern techonology available to ensure maximum efficency and consistency of the quality of the product9
  • Employees 235 people9
  • Daily processing 3,350 beef or 1,675 head per shift9
  • November. JBS Swift Australia install closed-circuit television camera’s (CCTV) in it’s Australian meatworks.16
    • For the purpose of animal welfare and meatworker safety issues.16
    • CCTV for internal use by only JBS, with no plans to allow outsiders to view the footage.16
  • JBS’s US beef division (which includes Australia) delivered drop in net sales and earnings in it’s third quarter financial results.17
    • Australia’s division performance and overall contribution to the overall result is impossible to distinguish due to inclusion with US and Canadian beef processing results.17
    • Earnings before tax $134M,.17
      • Down by 22.5% on previous quarter.17
      • Down by 28.4% on third quarter last year.17
    • result reflection of domestic North American markets.17
      • Improved performance had occured in Australian.17
        • Demand had increased in Chinese markets.17

2014

 

  • July. JBS Australia purchase majority shareholding in NSW based Andrew Meat.15
    • specialise in high quality, portion cutting and further processing of meats for domestic and international restaurant and foodservice customers.15
    • produce ready-cooked meals.15
    • company banner Creative Food Solutions.15
    • Andrew Meat will allow JBS expansion into high growth retail and value-adding segments.15
  • Expansion of the Andrew Meats business will start in November .18
    • JBS global strategy to expand into value added meat protein – opportunity to expand margins.18
    • JBS have an existing value-added division – Food Partners.18
      • supplies food service customers like Pizza Hut and Domino’s with toppings.18
    • Andrew Meats focus will be produce ready meals.18
      • ‘grab & go’ beef roasts, designed to compete head on with hot cabinet roast chickens sold in supermarkets.18
      • Domestic markets were very immature but also with significant growth potential.18
  • At this time JBS operate.15
    • 10 processing facilities.15
      • Daily processing capacity of more than 8,000 cattle and 21,000 small stock.15
    • 5 feedlots.15
  • December. JBS currently operate 12 meat processing plants across 5 Australian states11
    • Wages & local procurement $730M (Excluding livestock purchases)11
    • Employs 8,500 people at the facilities11
      • Employs 12,000 people in Australia11
    • Total revenue of $6.5B11
  • JBS plants 2014_edited-1

    JBS processing plants in Australia

    Source JBS submission #50 Market Consolidation.

    • JBS estimates its current share of four eastern states beef kill – 20% (excludes service kill)11
      • JBS share of Australian beef production 16%11
      • Market share of national small (lamb, mutton & goat) 16%
    • JBS spent $2.4M on halal certification costs of approved religious certifiers in 20142

    2015

    • January. MLA forecast.20
      • Australian cattle herd has gone from 35 year high (2013) to 20 year low (2015).20
      • Australian cattle herd slip to 26.8M head by June 2015.20
        • by 2016 expected decline to 26.5M head.20
        • by 2020 27.9M head.20
      • Adult cattle slaughter expected to slump 15% year on year.20
        • 2015 to 7.8M head.20
        • 2020 expected 7.9M slaughter.20
      • Long term Female average in 2014 52%.20
        • Normally female kill percentage 47%.20
        • Only in years 1977, 1998 & 2003 has female kill been above 50%.20
      • Beef exports record levels in 2014 1.39M tonnes shipped weight.20
        • Expected to drop 20% to 1.3M tonnes in 2015.20
    • March. Foreign ownership of Australian red meat processing facilities
    • Nippon share_edited-1

      Share of Australian red meat processing

      Source The Stock Standard. VFF March 2015

 

  • March. Cyclone Marcia cross the Capricornia Coast some plants were damaged.70
    • Supply is exceeding capacity in QLD at this point.70

Cyclone Marcia Feb 2015_edited-1

Impact of Cyclone Marcia February 2015. www.longpaddock.qld.gov.au

  • June. Cost of processing in Australia 1.5-3 times the cost of processing animals in another country11
  • cost of processing grain-fed cattle in Australia is twice of the USA11
    • lower levels of productivity in Australia in regards to kg per unit of labour11
    • 2 major differences between Australia and the USA11
      1. Government regulation
        • $10 a head more in Australia11
        • Dept. of Australian Agriculture fully recover costs of meat export inspection and certification11
          • Australia wide DAFF costs $80M11
          • JBS contribute $14.5M11
        • Export plants don’t use DAFF but use approved employees, which plants fully cover costs11
          • JBS estimate an additional $30M at Export level11
        • USA & Brazil governments provide services at no or minimal costs to processors11
      2. Energy Costs
        • $15 a head more in Australia11
    • Technical barriers to trade (TBT’s)- Total value in Australia estimated at $1.25B as identified costs11
      • 261 TBT’s in 40 key markets11
        • 136 have significant trade distortion impacts11
  • July. The following charts are from a submission by the Australian government Department of Agriculture to the Senate rural and regional affairs and transport references committee inquiry into Market consolidation and the red meat processing sector.
  • abattoir capacities dept ag sub consolidation_edited-1

    • Capacity of major beef abattoirs in QLD. Pg 15

      T2 Throughput state beef_edited-1

      Share of throughput by state for beef in 2014. Pg 16

      T4 processing companies market share_edited-1

      Major Processing companies by market share May 2015. Pg 16

      M4 direct cattle movements NLIS QLD_edited-1

      Cattle Movements to abattoirs. Pg 25

      F12 hourly labour costs food manufacturing_edited-1

      Hourly labour costs for food manufacturing industry Pg 30

October. 10 mayors from Southern QLD form a mayoral group to act as a united lobby group for their region.24

  • represent 25% land area of QLD, quarter of QLD cattle and 75% of grain and crop production area24
    • support the Oakey abattoir push for rail transport improvements.24
    • $2M in State and Federal funding is required to fund new rails sidings.24
      • Federal government feel that private investors should fund the improvements themselves.24
      • will add to processor competition in the area.24
  • Only 2 abattoirs are currently contracted to be supplied cattle on the Western line.24 JBS Dinmore (QLD) and Teys Beenleigh (QLD)
    • Oakey is to be added, starting January 2016.24
      • Contractually Oakey can recieve cattle but as they have no rail siding this is not physically possible.24

 

  • AACo have animals processed at Eastern abattoirs as service kill.23
    • See year 2013.23
    • Gross processing costs had increased in the 6 months to September 2015.23
      • $1.13 risen to $1.21/kg, 7% increase year on year HCW.23

 

 

  • December. ATO publishes tax data for agribusiness corporates.12
    • Data interpretation – Companies do not pay company tax on revenue (total income) they pay on profits after paying all expenses, including wages, capital replacement, supplier costs and other operating expenses.12
    • Income tax information is for 2013/14.12
    • JBS Holdco Australia Pty Ltd produced Total Income $4,040,948,610.12
      • Taxable Income $419,882,525.12
        • Tax Payable $44,809,334.12

2013_2015_edited-1

QLD Drought Situation 2013 – 2015 www.longpaddock.qld.gov.au

 

Sources for Dinmore QLD. JBS

  1. AUS-MEAT Accreditation list 14.01.13
  2. ‘JBS offered $4.4M grant for Dinmore carbon abatement project’ Beef Central 04.02.13
  3. ‘Abattoirs under stress’ Beef Central 22.02.10
  4. Competition and exit in Meat Processing Agribusiness review Vol 7 1999
  5. ‘JBS to help 457 workers to Aussie residency’ Ipswich QLD 02.03.13
  6. ‘US beef exporters force three abattoirs to close’ SMH 15.05.1996
  7. ‘Guyra abattoir closure’ Mr Raymond Chappell 15.05.96 http://www.parliment.nsw.gov
  8. ‘Australia: Union shuts down picket of locked out meatworkers’ http://www.wsws.org. 28.12.2010
  9. http://www.jbsswift.com.au. Accessed 13.11.2013
  10. Work-skills-and-training-2301-1
  11. sub50_JBS Inquiry into the effect of market consolidation on the red meat processing sector
  12. ‘ATO publishes tax data for agribusiness corporates’ Beef Central 18.12.2015
  13. AUS-MEAT Accreditation Listing 29.12.2015
  14. ‘Big Beef producer cuts deal with Tasman group’ The Age 06.03.2008
  15. ‘JBS takes stake in Andrews Meat’ www.farmonline.com.au 09.07.2014
  16. ‘Swift CCTV camera action’ Weekly Times 13.11.2013
  17. ‘JBS delivers lower third quarter beef sales, revenue’ Beef Central 14.11.2013
  18. ‘What’s behind JBS taking a big stake in Andrews Meat Value adding Businnes? Beef Central 10.07.2014
  19. ABARES foreign ownership 2011
  20. ‘MLA forecasts beef market adjustment’ The Land 27.01.2015
  21. ‘Slow season opening for processors’ Beef Central 11.01.2012
  22. ‘Caualties emerging as export kill pressure continues’ Beef Central 25.07.2011
  23. ‘AACo’s Darwin abattoir projected to be strong finanical performer’ Beef Central 18.03.2013
  24. ‘$2M only barrier to better rail access for cattle’ Beef Central 20.10.2015

Smithton

Australian Abattoirs, Mainland, Smithton, Tasmania 18/06/2013 Leave a comment

Other Names

  • HS Greenham’s
  • Greenham’s
  • Blue Ribbon

Current Operation

  • Operating as at 2013.

Location

Australia. Smithton

Map Smithton 001Source – Hema maps. Australia Truckies Atlas

Owner

  • Blue Ribbon – established3
  • Ian Paterson 20015
  • Greenhams – 20024
    • Plant Manager Jack Erichson4
    • Greenham also own Tongala Abattoir (Vic)
      • have been operating in Victoria since 1860’s
    • Greenham’s is a family-run and operated business

Operation

  • Premium quality beef to USA. Japan, buying dairy cos, bulls, heavy beef cows, Jap Ox, calves and yearlings7
  • Greenham’s supply 2 annual burseries $10,000 to young people in Vic and Tasmania further their careers in dairy or beef industry7
  • Process 10,000 t beef annually
  • supplier catchment of 3,000 properties over Tasmania and King Island

History

Some articles are in reference to the meat industry in Tasmania in general and not just specifically the Smithton works

1941

  • Meeting held at town hall to discuss proposal of establishment of abattoir and saleyards at Smithton2
    • At the time 17 slaughtering places existed in Circular head municipality2
      • hygiene and disease of serious concern due to lack of inspections and disposal of offal unsatisfactory with dogs and pigs having access.2
      • water availability  was inadequate for some with poor drainage2
    • New facility main purpose was to ensure clean, wholesome product assuring meat production under hygienic conditions.2
    • Paddocks to be provided for grazing free of charge some distance from abattoir so animals only walked to facility once a fortnight2

    1958

  • Josef Chromy – a Czechoslovakian who fled to Tasmania in 1950 after WWII.3
    • started a butcher shop in Bernie 19573
    • Changed the butcher shop name to ‘Blue Ribbon Meat Products in 19583
    • Initial turnover of $160,000 pa, 5 employees, over 20 years developed the company, acquiring farms, 18 butcher shops, piggeries, distribution centres, factories and abattoirs.3

1972

  • Blue Ribbon aims to establish export standard abattoir3
    • sell to overseas markets premium lamb and beef cuts from Tasmania3

1979

  • Blue Ribbon now operates Smithton, Camdale, Launceston and Hobart abattoirs.3

1985

  • Red meat industry wide rationalisation Chromy sells all operations to RMI Group, in exchange for shares3

1986

  • Rationalisation falls over and shares are rendered worthless3
  • Chromy rebuilt businesses.3

1992

  • Blue Ribbon employ 540 people, annual sales of $75M3
  • Blue ribbon is floated on ASX.3

1994

  • Blue Ribbon win Austrade Agricultural products category at the Australian export awards.3

2000

  • Blue Ribbon post a loss of $3.18M18
    • esculated debts to $6M owed to Commonwealth bank and $4M to suppliers18
    • Company shares trading suspended at $0.13 down from 1993 price $1.6018
      • Peak operation annual turnover AUS$75M and18
      • processed 50% of states livestock18
      • Exports worth AUS$28M18

2001

  • July. Blue Ribbon turn down a refinancing offer from a Melbourne based syndicate18
    • Announce company is put into voluntary administration18
    • Decision chosen as alternative to receivorship and allows 3 months of trading life18
  • Nov. Ian Paterson purchases Blue Ribbon5
    • Federal court hearing – collapse of Tasmainian meat works say Paterson ignore everyones warnings, including Blue Ribbons chief financial officer that the the company was insolvent, ignored repeated advice that works needed $2M in capital injection to function5
    • Paterson misled buisness partners and Blue ribbon administrators pretending he had backing from a group of investors when he was operating entirely on his own.5
    • Former Blue ribbon CEO Ray Joy was part of investment group4
  • Dec. Blue Ribbon go into recievership and close.4

2002

  • Blue Ribbon sold to HS Greenhams.4
    • Employs 100 people7
    • Refurbish the plant to international export standards9
  • Greenhams (new owners of Smithton) develop marketing strategy and sourcing program to help secure cattle for the meat processing plant21
    • included better information to producers about types of animals suitable21
    • information feedback to producers about their animals.21
    • set up scholarships to reinforce commitment to area21
      • result – enough cattle secured for production to peak within weeks of plant opening21
  • Mar. To start production again, processing 100 cattle per day to build up to 200 head a day4
    • Processing capacity of plant 300 per day26
  • June. Smithton retrench 21 workers7

2003

  • When original company went into receivorship employees fired from full-time positions19
    • rehired latter by a labour hire firm on 12-month traineeships19
      • Hire firmis a split company from Blue Ribbon called Newemploy20
      • meant to re-employ 300 workers20
      • Only employed 95 at beginning of dispute20
    • after traineeship period then offered independent contracts for $120 a day without sick leave or holiday pay19
    • Abattoir citing needs flexibility in employment structure19
  • August. Longest lockout in Tasmania’s history enters 21st week.20
    • In dispute – 23 workers locked out, 40 have left, 10 sacked in previous week20
    • sacked workers jobs outsourced20

2004

  • Smithton set up buying centre for cattle in Devonport17
    • Producers take animals direct to site, weighed and paid on delivery.17
    • Acts as direct sale to abattoir with no agents17
    • Abattoir pays for freight to abattoir from selling centre17
    • Estimated to save producer $39 per animal in cartage.17
    • Authors Note – Normally when a producer sells at a point that is closer to property of origin the sale price of animal is reduced, therefore I question if producer in this case would actually get a saving of $39. Saving would be due to no third parties. Jo. 29.12.2013.
    • Devonport is the 6th selling centre established  by the Smithton abattoir since take over in 2002.17
  • HW Greenham and Sons Pty ltd is ranked 13th in top 25 Processors in Australia28
    • Statistics include abattoirs Smithton and Tongala abattoir (Vic)28
    • 2004 End of Dec. Throughput 52,500 ETCW (Estimated tonnes carcase weight) 2003 51,000 ETCW28
    • Kill share 2%28
    • Turnover 2004/2005 $230M (2003/2004 $200M)28
    • Employees 47028
    • Production 95% export – 5% domestic28
    • Major export markets USA, Japan, Korea, Canada, Taiwan28

2008

  • Jan. Smithton (Greenhams) dismiss 6 workers before christmas after losing a key Asian customer6
    • Unfair dismissal case lodged with Australian Industrial relations commission (AIRC)6
      • AIRC found wages and other legal entitlements were paid but had no jurisdiction to determine if dismissal unfair or harsh.6
  • Jul. Signs a exclusive deal with large Korean retail group – Lotte Mart.8
    • Smithton facilities need expansion in boning room, if not undertaken run the risk of losing export opportunities8
  • Oct. Propose to install a coal briquette-fired boiler to replace the existing boiler that is currently fired by tallow and fuel oil.9
    • Rendering process converts by-products into value added products – tallow, meatmeal & bloodmeal9
    • Rendering uses large volumes of steam to cook the materials.9
      • Edible – frying fats, shortening, oils, bakery products, confectionary and industrial margarine9
      • Inedible – soap, cosmetics, lubricants, leather dressings, candles and tallow for tanning leather.9
    • Refurbished 10MW briquett-fired boiler – consume 1.2 t coal /hr at full production9
      • working on 5 day week basis, 10 hours a day – use 1,800 t a year, coal soarced from Victoria.9
      • Ash production 3,600kg pa9
  • Smithton express interest in upgrading port facilities at Stanley to allow King Island cattle imports25

2011

  • Jul. Government – Federal and state supply $1.1M, North-West and Northern Tasmania Innovation and Investment (NWNTIIF)24
    • NWNTIIF created to assist manufacturing businesses, a number of which have closed in area due to GFC24
    • Greenhams contribute $3.3M to upgrade facilities10. –
      • build and fit out new enlarged boning room, freezing area and slaughter floor10
      • upgrade plants rendering facilities22
      • development of new value adding processing facility22
      • increase capacity from 320 head a day to 380, potential up to 45010
      • created 20 jobs with a further 7 likely10
        • other articles say 2422 jobs, and 1723 jobs.
        • upgrade created 17 jobs to date and will provide another 7 by December24
      • Deminished waiting time for producers in summer when larger number of cattle available10
      • Expansion 4 years in negotiations10
      • improvement in technologies increases efficencies22
  • August – Smithton again consider assisting with financial support to upgrade Stanley wharf – deep water24
    • Stanley is deepest port in Tasmania25
    • Would allow King Island cattle access, King Island abattoir (Tas) closed in 201224
    • Other ports are Devonport24 and Burnie26
  • December – Smithton and Tasport upgrade port facilities at Stanley to reintroduce shipping to the area25


2013

  • Jan. MSA grading of meat cuts (had been implemented for a number of years)27
    • Smithton work closely with producers providing feedback on haveing cattle eligible for meat brands.27
    • certain cuts suite certain markets.27

MSA grading _edited-1Source – Peter Greenham Managing Director of Greeham Tasmania. 31.12.2013.
Cattle in MSA program are assessed for eating quality and marketed under particular brands.

  • Apr. American buyers looking to expand purchases of beef from $80,000 per week to $800,00011
    • Grass fed beef.11
    • Tasmania is the only Australian state to ban the use of HGP, therefore all stock are guaranteed 100% HGP free12
    • lot more market potential to be realised yet11
  • July. Cattle unloaded at Stanley port, utilising the port for the first time in 20 years.26
    • Use of Stanley port takes 5 hours off sea trip compared to Burnie and improved animal welfare26
    • Expect about 240 head each sailing26
    • 12,000 – 13,000 head from King Island each year26
      • similar to amount sourced from Island for last 5 years.26

    source animals _edited-1Source – Peter Greenham, Managing Director Greenham Tasmania.

Smithton abattoir sourcing of cattle for processing. They process approximately 500 animals per day which is about 112,000 cattle per year, currently employing 200 Full time staff plus casuals.26

  • Oct. Workers strike for higher wages.13
    • 160 beef processing workers set up picket line – 25.10.2013 with ongoing ban on overtime13
    • 115 of 160 workers belong to AMIEU14
    • previous work agreement had been made in 201014
    • Workers want 4% pay rise – Greenhams offered 2.5% over 4 years & cut of $200 a week to new employees13
    • Negotiations have been going for 6 months.13
    • AMIEU figures say production has increased 25% of number of stock being processed.13
    • Union requested figures to substantiate processing from Greenham, Greendhams declined to supply figures.14
    • Smithton processes 40 to 44 cattle per man per day, elsewhere in Australia averages between 20-2414
    • Longford abattoir (Tasmania – owned by JBS) get over tally for 24 head a man, effectively getting paid time and a half for anything over 24 head.14
  • Nov. Company re-negotiated offer15
    • Raising the pay increase but not wage structure.15
    • Greenham’s showed AMIEU union rep Troy Baker figures to suggest business would not be viable in long term unless new employees paid less “..sat back and looked at it with a percentage rises on top, over time it would have made the company hard to be viable in another 4 years time” Trot Baker – AMIEU15
    • with original offer 2.5% across the board, also accepted 2.5% increase in pay with a $750 sign on bonus for the first 2 years, which will increase to 3% increase in payfor last 2 years of an agreement15

Sources

  1. ‘Support for KI meatworks’ The Mercury. 18.06.13
  2. Public Opinion article. Advocate. 24.09.1941
  3. ‘Josef Chromy : an expert vintage’ http://www.dynamicexport.com.au. 30.07.2009
  4. ‘Australia: Smithton abattoir to reopen tomorrow’ Just foods. 04.03.2002
  5. ‘Blue Ribbon owner criticised over abattoir collapse’ ABC rural. 22.03.2002
  6. ‘Meatworkers dispute taken to federal IR commission’ ABC news. 07.01.08
  7. Company profile. http://www.greenham.com.au Accessed 13.11.2013
  8. ‘Delay in works at Tongala abattoir’ http://www.greenham.com.au 01.07.2008
  9. ‘Smithton abattoir coal fired boiler – development proposal and environmental management plan’ Ecowise. Oct 2008
  10. ‘A meaty boost to efficency at Smithton abattoir’ The Advocate 19.07.11
  11. ‘Tassie beef industry industry impresses US buyers’ The Advocate 12.04.2013
  12. ‘Our plants – Longford’ http://www.jbsswift.com Accessed 13.11.13
  13. ‘Meat workers to strike for higher wages’ ABC news 23.10.2013
  14. ‘Industrial action hits Greenham’ The Advocate 25.10.2013
  15. ‘Industrial action ended at Tasmanian meatworks’ ABC rural. 12.11.2013
  16. ‘Devonport City abattoir doing well’ ABC rural 26.06.2002
  17. ‘Liveweight cattle buying centre opens in Devonport’ http://www.greenham.com.au
  18. ‘Australia: Blue Ribbon meats to go into voluntary administration’ http://www.just-food.com 19.07.2001
  19. ‘Welcome to the revolution’ AMIEU 11.06.2003
  20. ‘Tasmania’s longest lock out enters 21st week’ Green left. 20.08.2003
  21. http://www.lib.uts.edu.au
  22. ’24 new jobs as Tasmania meat processor expands’ Manufacturers monthly 19.07.11
  23. ‘North west coast prospects beefed up by expansion’ Bavid O’Byrne MP. 19.07.2011
  24. ‘Stanley wharf left to rot’ The Examiner. 20.08.2011
  25. http://www.shipspotting.com – dated 30.12.11.
  26. ‘Port of Stanley ready to receive cattle ships’ The Advocate 04.07.2013
  27. ‘Red Meat Updates’ Tasmania. MLA 20.06.2013
  28. Feedback’s top 25 processors for 2004 MLA. oct 2005

Longford

Australian Abattoirs, Beef processing abattoir, Longford, Mainland, Tasmania 18/06/2013 Leave a comment

Updated 28.12.2013. Longford abattoir is located on the North east side of Tasmania mainland, South of Launceston. Owned by JBS the abattoir is a multi species abattoir currently operating.

Other Names

  • Longford JBS
  • Number 195.18

Current Operation

  • Aus Meat Accreditation registration dated 29/12/2015 #195 – JBS Australia Pty Ltd (Longford).17
    • registered as a Beef, Sheep, Offal export facility.17
  • Direct employment enquiries to www.jbssa.com.au

Location

Australia. Longford

Map. LongfordSource – Hema Maps – Australia Truckies Atlas. 

Owner

  • Gilbertson family
  • SBA foods (Sumikan)- 1996
  • Tasman Group7
    • Used to operate under name – Belandra Pty Ltd
    • Victorian based operation7
    • General Manager Fracnk Orovec7
    • Chairman Giuseppe Catalfamo7
  • JBS Swift1

Operation Of Longford.

  • Multi species processing abattoir2
    • Multi species abattoirs notoriously difficult and complex to manage5
    • Longford is Australia’s most flexible and diverse red meat processing site5
  • Capacity to process 450 beef a day, 1,600 Small stock such as Lamb, mutton and veal1
    • With beef operation also kills 1800 lambs and sheep a day, plus bobby calves and veal.5
  • Full Halal kill to key Muslim markets – Malaysia, Indonesia and Middle East.5
  • Full License access for beef and lamb export to China and Russia5
  • Carries out EU grassfed supply – MSA backed grassfed Natural beef program5
  • Longford carries out most of weekly grainfed kill on contract for Japanese owned Feedlot located in Tasmania5
  • Emphasis is directing sheep and beef meat to branded programs instead of selling product as a commodity meat.5

History Of Longford

2002

  • SBA Foods sell to Tasman Group Services – $25M9
    • Includes King Island9
    • Altona abattoir – Melbourne (currently mothballed) – been closed for last 2 years9
      • Past 4 years had $10M spent on improving beef slaughter chain, chiller and boning facilities9
    • Yambinya feedlot – Wakool, Deniliquin.9
    • Tasman Group already owned – Brooklyn abattoir – gutted by fire June 2001 and still closed in 2002.9

2003

  • Abattoir closed -part of union agreement workers to paid full entitlements7
    • Rescue package offered by Government7
    • More optimistic about workers future with package announced7
  • Abattoir had applied for new rendering plant7
    • $5M plant had already been built but formal application still required approval.7
  • 600 Tasmanian feedlot cattle went to King Island abattoir for processing.7

2006

  • Tasman Group Chairman – Giuseppe Catalfamo brided Cole’s head of supermarket merchadising Peter Scott (Coles fired Scott in 2007).6
    • Scott had acquired million dollar bayside apartment from Catalfamo6
    • Considered a breach of retailers code of conduct – Tasman group main supplier of beef in Victoria and Tasmania6
    • Catalfamo been caught bribing and meat substitution in past – horse-meat substitution scandel that threatened Australia’s export industry 20 years ago, fined and banned from exporting to the USA for 10 years.6
  • Devonport abattoir provides Woolworths with fresh sausages for 29 Tasmanian stores6
  • Tasman Group – report ending 20056
    • sales had increased 30% but profit halved to $6.3M6
    • Company borrowings total nearly $62M6
      • Main creditors – National Australia Bank, ANZ and Japanese meat company Hannan Corporation6

2008

  • JBS purchased as part of Tasman group when entered Australia with acquitsition of AMH5
    • Tasman Group consists of abattoirs in Tasmania – Longford, Devonport and King Island8
      • Tasman group 3 abattoirs in Tasmania including King Island and 3 in Victoria.8
      • JBS paid $US150M8
    • JBS also purchased Smithfield Group $US565M8
      • Has four abattoirs8
    • JB also purchase National Beef $US560M8
      • Has three abattoirs8
      • 2 meat processing facilities8

2009

  • March. JBS lockout company -Cuthbertson Brothers10
    • Cutherbertson process sheep and lamb skins supply footwear trade.10
      • 150 year old company – established by Blundstone11
      • Purchase 80% of Tasmanian production of sheep and lamb skins11
      • Processing plant at Launceston11
        • supply exclusively to Manufacturer Melbourne – Dynasty11
        • Dynasty is agent for Henan Prosper – worlds largest tannery located in China11
      • Employ 20 people11
    • Cutherbertson call on ACCC to launch formal investigation as breach of Trade Practices Act, JBS have misused market power to push players out of the sheep and lambskin market.11
    • JBS refuse to allow Australian Lamb Company to process animals at Longford11
      • Australian Lamb Company is major exporter11
      • Processed 1000 heavy lambs  per week.12
      • Loss of buisiness caused producers $7-$10 per head.11
        • Australian Lamb company forced to send stock to Melbourne for processing11
      • At 2009 – Longford is the only supplier of export grade sheep and lamb produce in Tasmania11
    • JBS is dealing direct with producers , by passing stock agents.11
    • JBS continued pattern of activities designed to force Cuthbertson Brothers out of market by approaching Cuthbertson’s major clients.11
  • Sheepskin tender lockout has caused producers receive 50% less for skins11
    • $3-$4 per skin11
  • ACCC are investigating the matter but JBS refusing to discuss with ACCC.11

2010

  • JBS lay off 90 workers13

2012

  • JBS Australia split into two operating entities to make Northern and Southern regions in relation to abattoirs and feedlots within those areas14.
    • South – Victoria, South Australia and Tasmania14
    • North – NSW and QLD.14

2013

  • JBS threaten closure of Longford if another abattoir is established on King Island abattoir (Tas)3
    • JBS say – not receiving cattle from King Island would hurt Longford operations3
    • JBS (at June 2013) still owned the closed King Island plant. It was not leased or for sale3
  • Longford Plant – Boning room to be reconfigured for great throughput to increase efficency5
    • Long term strategy to optimise production efficency5
    • Lift beef throughput by 50%, increasing beef killed from 300 currently to around 475 head5
      • Majority of cattle sourced – well grown Angus from Tasmania’s NE and NW regions5
      • Islands – King Island and Flinders can account for anything from 200-450 head a week, higher in the spring run.5
      • 80-90% of slaughter cattle are sourced direct from vendors5
    • More productive work hours – 4 day weekly roster, based on four 9.5 hour working days5
    • New technologies – X-ray fat analysis equipment to determine Chemical lean (CL) content5
      • Note – Chemical lean is fat/marbling amount through the meat, the higher the number the less fat content. 90CL very lean, 80CL has high marbling.
    • New technologies – metal fragment contamination screening5
  • Since purchase of facility – considerable infrastructure development, modern blast freezer facility5
  • Focus on growing a range of beef and lamb brands for both key domestic and international customers5
    • 75% of currently weekly kill is MSA accredited at slaughter5
  • Value add at facility – Supplies supermarkets and key customers5
    • Sausages, corned beef, marinated products, dicing, shanks5
    • conventionally packed or MAP5
    • sold under supermarket label.5
  • September. JBS launch brand launch.20

Beef central 27.09.2013 logo

 Great Southern Logo. Source Beef Central 27.9.2013

  • Great Southern grassfed beef and lamb.20
    • Products first of their type in Australia.20
    • third party audited program JAS/ANZ ISO.20
    • 65 accredited farm quality assurance programs backing the brand.20
    • huge demand in domestic and global customers for traceable fresh grassfed meat.20
      • supplied by best practice producers with better livestock genetics.20
      • MSA graded for eating quality.20
      • Farmers would receive premium prices.20
        • 10c/kg premium applied to grid for UK.20
        • 650 farmers through NSW, Vic & Tasmania accredited to supply the program.20
        • Audit costs (for farmers) are paid by JBS.20
          • Audits conducted by AsureQuality.20
        • Animals are consigned driect to JBS.20
        • forward pricing.20
        • Animals consigned through saleyards would not be eligible.20
  • “Today the margins are so tight that if you want a point of difference and that premium or no discount, you have got to be involved with quality assurance” Jeremy Upton, Producer.20
  • November. JBS Swift Australia install closed-circuit television camera’s (CCTV) in it’s Australian meatworks.19
    • For the purpose of animal welfare and meatworker safety issues.19
    • CCTV for internal use by only JBS, with no plans to allow outsiders to view the footage.19
  • JBS’s US beef division (which includes Australia) delivered drop in net sales and earnings in it’s third quarter financial results.22
    • Australia’s division performance and overall contribution to the overall result is impossible to distinguish due to inclusion with US and Canadian beef processing results.21
    • Earnings before tax $134M,.21
      • Down by 22.5% on previous quarter.21
      • Down by 28.4% on third quarter last year.21
    • result reflection of domestic North American markets.21
      • Improved performance had occured in Australian.21
        • Demand had increased in Chinese markets.21

2014

  • April. Longford is the only multi species processing plant in Tasmania at this point
  • Integration of the King Island beef kill into the Longford business has delivered better effiecncies and success at the plant with economies of scale not previously available.18
    • Longford is a more robust business than prior to integration.18
    • Longford now hs the ability and consistency to supply key markets.18
      • China, European union, US, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Indonesia and Russia.18
    • Production has increased to 500 beef and 1,700 small-stock being processed a day.18
  • Grading quality of Tasmanian livestock is high quality, non HGP, non GMO.18
  • Beef sales, focused on direct sales to export and retail.18
  • Lamb sales focus on supply of domestic, retail and food service.18
    • including commodity lamb and mutton into China.18
  • Everything that can be value-added in the form of meat and byproducts at Longford is processed on site.18
  • All of the plant’s kill and much of the lamb production is boned, sliced and packed in 2 fabrication room.18
  • JBS no longer required to send animals for processing to the mainland.18
    • sausage making plant.18
    • packaged corn beef and lamb shanks for retail.18
    • By products rendering plant makes 25t tallow a day.18
    • lamb skins are graded and salted for weekly tender.18
    • cattle hides are sold green (unprocessed) to a local hide merchant.18
  • 300 producers support the Great Southern Farm assurance production program.18
  • Staff numbers at the plant had reached 450 employees.18
    • Devonport (domestically licensed) employing 150.18
    • Work was less seasonal and had better security.18
    • Future leaders program pathway available – Career Leadership Opportunities.18
  • July. JBS Australia across all facilities in operation kills daily14
    • 8,500 cattle,14
    • 24,000 smalls – which includes lambs14
    • Employs more than 8,000 people14
  • December. JBS currently operate 12 meat processing plants across 5 Australian states15
    • Wages & local procurement $730M (Excluding livestock purchases)15
    • Employs 8,500 people at the facilities15
      • Employs 12,000 people in Australia15
    • Total revenue of $6.5B15
  • JBS plants 2014_edited-1

    JBS processing plants in Australia

    Source JBS submission #50 Market Consolidation.

    • JBS estimates its current share of four eastern states beef kill – 20% (excludes service kill)15
      • JBS share of Australian beef production 16%15
      • Market share of national small (lamb, mutton & goat) 16%
    • JBS spent $2.4M on halal certification costs of approved religious certifiers in 201415

    2015

    • June. Cost of processing in Australia 1.5-3 times the cost of processing animals in another country15
    • cost of processing grain-fed cattle in Australia is twice of the USA15
      • lower levels of productivity in Australia in regards to kg per unit of labour15
      • 2 major differences between Australia and the USA15
        1. Government regulation
          • $10 a head more in Australia15
          • Dept. of Australian Agriculture fully recover costs of meat export inspection and certification15
            • Australia wide DAFF costs $80M15
            • JBS contribute $14.5M15
          • Export plants don’t use DAFF but use approved employees, which plants fully cover costs15
            • JBS estimate an additional $30M at Export level15
          • USA & Brazil governments provide services at no or minimal costs to processors15
        2. Energy Costs
          • $15 a head more in Australia15
      • Technical barriers to trade (TBT’s)- Total value in Australia estimated at $1.25B as identified costs15
        • 261 TBT’s in 40 key markets15
          • 136 have significant trade distortion impacts15

 

Sources Longford Tas. JBS

  1. ‘Support for KI meatworks’ The Mercury 18.06.13
  2. ‘Abattoir closure claims unfounded’ The Stock and Land. 27.06.13
  3. ‘Abattoir closure warning’ http://www.mercury.com.au 26.06.2013
  4. http://www.jbsswift.com.au
  5. ‘Expansion plans ahead for JBS Longford – one of Australia’s most versatile meat plants’ Beef Central 21.10.2013
  6. ‘Woolies sticks by kickback butcher’ SMH 15.01.2007
  7. ‘Tasman Services fulfil final payouts’ The Examiner 23.10.2003
  8. ‘Big Beef producer cuts deal with Tasman Group’ The Age. 06.03.2008
  9. ‘SBA foods sell to Tasman Group Services’  Stock & Land 19.03.2002
  10. ‘End of the Tasmanian Ugg Boot’ The Examiner 03.03.2009
  11. ‘Submission to Select committee on Agriultural and related Industries – Inquiry into food production in Australian’
  12. ‘Abattoir cutback inconveniences lamb company’ ABC rural. 26.02.2009
  13. ‘Australia: Union shuts down picket of locked out meatworkers’ http://www.wsws.org 29.12.2010
  14. ‘The next Swift Shift’ The Weekly Times 30.07.2014
  15. sub50_JBS Inquiry into the effect of market consolidation on the red meat processing sector
  16. ‘ATO publishes tax data for agribusiness corporates’ Beef Central 18.12.2015
  17. AUS-MEAT Accreditation Listing 29.12.2015
  18. ‘JBS expands its books’ Stock & Land 24.04.2014
  19. ‘Swift CCTV camera action’ Weekly Times 13.11.2013
  20. ‘JBS unveils new QA driven southern grassfed brand program’ Beef Central 27.09.2013
  21. ‘JBS delivers lower third quarter beef sales, revenue’ Beef Central 14.11.2013

Ross River

Australian Abattoirs, Beef processing abattoir, Northern QLD, Queensland, Ross River, Townsville 18/06/2013 Leave a comment

Built in 1882, QLD meat export agency formed supplied contracts for supply of product to England. Plagued by industrial action its whole operating life most notably in 19919 when a violent clash between the unions and police occurred. Been through ownership receiver, beef price crash, strikes, droughts and market changes. Smorgons meat processors, last owner collapsed in 1994, facility closed in 1995. Site now developed as a residential site with only the chimney still remaining as a historic site.

Other names

  • Ross River meatworks

Current Operation

  • Closed 19951

 Location             

   Australia. Ross River         

            

Owner                 

  • Built by QLD meat export and Agency (QME) – Principal Sir Thomas Mcllwraith, QLD Premier2
    • QME was a government operated organisation
  • Vesteys purchased 19556
  • Smorgons6

Operation

  • Export
  • Nominal Capacity 120,000hd per 50 weeks1

Other abattoirs in the region

Pentland (QLD)

Townsville – Stuart (QLD

 

 

History of Ross River abattoir               

  • Initially was a major exporter for Townsville region
  • Meatworks chimney still stands today, restored

1866

  • Boiling works began operation 1 kilometre downstream from latter site of Ross River meatworks5
    • Boiled down tallow was selling in Sydney 46 shillings cwt, hides 16 shillings5
    • Gold discoveries forced works to close due to lack of stock supply5
    • closed 18705
  • Initial workforce of 7006

1882

  • Built and cost to build £75,0004
  • June. Started operation.5
  • Processing 80 head cattle day
  • used gravitational system, animal killed on one floor and then meat processed in others4
  • Wharf couldn’t handle the ships to transport frozen meat and a coastal steamer had to be modified to convey meat from wharf to ship.5
  • Operating company of meatworks imposed strict conditions on delivery of cattle, requiring animals to be delivered on particular days or suffer5

1890

  • QLD meat export and Agency co formed(Pg 47)8
    • Sir Thomas Milwraith & John Cooke, floated company with 1M pound8
    • Agents in London – Messrs. W Weddel and Co8
    • 5 year freight contract with Houlder Bros & co, for conveyance of 1200t meat per month8
    • Company formed to give graziers markets in the Old World (England) for their suplus cattle8
  • Plans submitted to build meatworks in Brisbane & Townsville.5

1891

  • Construction began – 6 acres freehold5
  • Was considered one of the best factories of the time with freezers and used electricity for lighting (Townsvilled didn’t have household electricity until 1923)5
  • When designed used a system of dry air compression, this was replaced with ammonia compression and air circulating batteries a few years latter (Pg 49)8
  • First industrial dispute before even began work5
    • Contractor (McCallum Park) v’s carpenters  – McCallums only wanted to pay 10 shillings a day, 2 shillings below going rate5
  • Industrial disputes would mark next 100 years of operation5

1897

  • Was receiving complaints about the effluent being pumped into the river after relocation of manure shed, rudimentary digestors installed that produced fertiliser and sold to locals5

1900’s

  • Mr Charles Harford – In charge at the time over a period of 13 years – Ross River abattoir was the most up to date abattoir he had seen4.
  • In reference to Ross River “In order to combat the exorbitant demands of labour it was necessary to use as much labour-saving machinery as possible”4
  • Costs – Total cost for yarding, killing and other handling as well as dealing with offal and by products was £1/3p per head for cattle and £18 per 100 sheep. Quoted in 1914 “..but the work could not be done at that price now”4
  • “One man knocked down 520 cattle in a day of eight hours”4
  • Difficulties arose in meat marketing – with competition form

site _edited-1Source – ‘A history of the frozen meat trade’. Critchell & Raymond. 1912.
Photo is undated Titled. QLD meat export and Agency company Limited. Ross River works Townsville.

1903

  • Cyclone Leonta hit Townsville on 9th March 1903. Causing widespread devastation. Many buildings at the Ross River meatworks were unroofed or demilished15

1910

  • Half of Freezing capacity was fitted with direct expansion piping, so effective the remaining freezing block was outfitted the following season as large expenditure (Pg 49)8

Prior to 1912 report

  • Manager Robert Stewart (Pg 48)8
  • A controlling holding in the company was purchased by G.S Yuill & co (London based)8
  • Ross River (then known as Ross Creek works) had recent upgrades and refitting.(Pg 48)8
    • Made the works the most up-to-date freezing works in the existance in either hemisphere (pg 48)8
    • Original freezing machinery plant ( air circulating batteries) and other equipment discarded.(Pg 48)8
    • New freezing and electric plant being erected with new steam engines, both for electric and freezing services – supply 220 lbs pressure through triple expansion, supplied by mechanically fired boilers and coal supply .(Pg 48)8
  • Ross River works, coal was expensive, water supply limited and drainage difficult – improvements now made the render at the works second to none for economy and convenience in working (pg 49)8

1917

  • Companies who operated meatworks asked Arbitration court to regulate wages and conditions in the industry to replace direct bargaining with the unions7

1919

  • company had won an court order in previous year to delete ‘union preference clause’ from the award wages system6
    • Clause had been in effect since 19117
  • February – More than 700 meatworkders resolved to declare works black6
    • AMIEU membership was 2442,largest branch at Ross River of 756 members7
    • 500 cattle released from stockyard and water posioned6
      • Cattle deliberatly released by protestors, ring leaders arrested. Supporters after speeches and drinking broke into a gunshop before marching on the watch house9
      • Violent clash between police and unionists. Trouble stemmed from long standing industrial unrest  between meat companies and AMIEU19.
        • Area was besiged by unemployment and economic depression19
        • Unrest degenerated into a riot with shots fired – 9 people injured, seven as a result of police bullets19
        • Townsville remained in a state of siege for weeks19
  • June – strike declared “Only meatworkers responded; all other unions voted to stay on the job. When the strike began about 80 ‘scabs’ were employed. By mid-August more than 300 were working, including AMIEU members who had dribbled back to work”7

1921

  • Export beef trade collapsed6

1953

  • Kenneth Woodhead Moore became manager of the Ross River meatworks14
    • Moore was manager until 1956.14

1955

  • QME – disclosed an overdraft of $2,392,954, at the time estimated cost of replacement of the works was $800,0006
  • November – offer from Vestey’s (British) accepted $1,575,000
    • Subsidiary company W.Weddel & Co – purchased Angliss meat interests in 1934.6
    • 1961 QME had entered into partnership with 11 other companies – Angliss Group6

old photo_edited-1Source – Wikipedia. Photo public property. Undated

holding yards_edited-1Source – This is Australia Oswald L Ziegler, Dated 1956.
Looking over holding yards of Ross River meatworks outside city of Townsville

1960’s

  • Extensive upgrades including a kill chain6
  • Women allowed to work on the killing floor6
  • Chilled beef shipments had resumed from Townsville for the first time since WWI6
  • QLD government resumed land for realignment of major raods Townsville to Ayr6

1975

  • QME submitted application to sub divide holding paddocks for residential blocks6
  • Australia was in a severe economic crisis.17
    • Most severe since the Great Depression.17
    • Profits slumped and mass sackings followed with general manufacturing factory closure occurring.17
      • Unemployment in Australia reached 5%.17
    • Whitlam Labour government at the time, economic policy swung from expansion to reining in the ballooning deficit.17
      • government felt key to recovery was ‘healthy profits’.17
        • attacked dole bludgers, wage rises and militant unions.17
      • large scale protests occurred across Australia.17
      • Townsville 3 meatworks stopped work for the day October 24.17

1992

  • Smorgon Consolidated industries purchased6

1993

  • Type 1 road trains – truck with dog trailer allowed access directly to meatworks3.

1994

  • Smorgon meat processing company suffer huge company collapse in early 1994

1995 

  • American markets opened for poorer quality meats and resulted in death knell of canning operations.6
  • February. closed5
    • closure announced by Smorgons on 27th Feb, 199510
  • A seasonlly operated plant that worked 9 months of the year, employed about 380 people, many long term employed at the facility10
  • previous year facility had processed 86,000 head of cattle10
    • projections that Live export would reach 390,000 in 1995 concerned union10
    • Australia’s total live cattle export for 1994/95 402,120 head and 1995/96 649,715 head11
  • Union and animal welfare group met and formed a group CALE (Committee Against Live Export)10
    • Tony Clunies-Ross as secretary10
    • CALE spearheads struggle to protect jobs and ease the suffering of animals10
    • Initive spread with CALE groups in Victoria and Western Australia10
  • 400 people lost jobs5

1997

  • Land purchased by a developer of Fairfield Waters12
  • Developer had originally planned to keep the chimney and three gable buildings near it to turn into a public monument and a brewery12
    • Never allowed as reports showed all structures structurally damaged and should be demolished12
    • Buildings were demolished12

1999

  • Buildings demolished leaving only brick chimney12

Chimney_edited-1Source – http://www.panoramio.com/photo/12516926, Tim Dickson, Not dated.
Remaining chimney of the Ross River meatworks

2007

  • Developer Lancicn planned to demolish chimney to build a resort.12
    • Engineering report commissioned by Lancini found chimney was too unstable and old to preserve12
    • Residents complained and ordered a professional report into stacks structural integrity12
      • report said chimney could stay12
  • Government then fought over who should pay for repairs12
  • Chimney was heritage listed12
    • repairs cost $200,000
  • Chimney is now surrounded by Lancini’s Springbank urban village.12
    • Claims of ghostly figures appearing by the chimney as dark outlines, thought to be the ghost of a man named Crawford who died at the works in 1901 after he fell into a vat of boiling fat.13

Sources

  1. Competition & Exit in Meat Processing. Agribusiness review Vol 7 1999
  2. ‘100 years of northern beef production’Nth QLD Register 22.11.12
  3. ‘Trucking Industry moves ahead’ Nth QLD Register 11.04.13
  4. ‘The abattoirs – Evidence before the commission’ The Adelaide Advertiser. 30.01.1914.
  5. ‘Ross River Meatworks, Part I’ Nth QLD Register 18.07.13
  6. ‘Ross River meatworks, Part 2’ Nth QLD Register 25.07.13
  7. ‘100 years of struggle and change’ AMIEU History. Claude Jones
  8. ‘A history of the frozen meat trade’ Troubridge & Raymond. 1912
  9. http://www.jculibrarynews.blogspot.com.au
  10. ‘Meatworkers and animal libbers form alliance’ Green Left Weekly. 30.08.95
  11. ‘The Australian livestock export trade’ Nigel Austin. 2011
  12. http://www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ross_River_Meatworks_Chimney
  13. http://www.paranormal.com.au
  14. Australian Dictionary of Biography. Moore (1917-1990) Vol 18, 2012
  15. http://www.northqueenslandhistory.blogspot.com.au
  16. ‘Barricades & Batons: An historical perspective of the policing of major industrial disorder in Australia’ D. Baker. 1999
  17. anu.edu.au-Whitlam sacking 1975

Dubbo

Australian Abattoirs, Dubbo, New South Wales 18/06/2013 Leave a comment

Dubbo abattoir is located in central NSW and is the largest meat processor in Australia.

Current Operation

  • Operating (as at 2013)

Location             

Australia. Dubbo

Map Dubbo 002

Owner

Operation

dubbo plant_edited-1Source http://www.flectchin.com.au
The Dubbo processing facility

  • Is a world leading sheep meat processing plant that is fully integrated processing all parts of the animal4
  • processes own wool and significant quantities of shorn wool into tops, which are sold across the world for yarn4
  • main production is sheep meat, wool tops and various by products4
  • Exports to 95 countries4
  • Dubbo employs about 450 people, Processing capacity of 40,000 head13

History

1950

  • NSW government enacted a policy of decentralisation, led to slaughter works being established at Gunnedah, Dubbo, Goulburn and Wagga Wagga.(Pg 223)

1958

  • Establishment in NSW of central abattoirs in processing districts to supply all meat locally (Pg 224)
  • Six new abattoirs built Moree, Guyra, Blayney, Mudgee, Dubbo and Forbes.

1983

  • Council abattoir had been closed and pulled down (Pg 248)10

1988

  • Greenfield site was commissioned4
  • Roger Flectcher had tried to buy a number of other processing plants that were currently in operation or closed but others refused to sell or he was out bidded as rivals saw Mr Flectcher as a growing rival to their facilities.(Pg 248)10
  • Roger Fletcher designed, built and financed a new high tech plant at Dubbo, it was the first new plant for sheep processing in NSW for over a decade(Pg 248)10
  • Plant was innovative in way it was run10
    • new employment policies setting up first enterprise bargaining agreements in Australia(Pg 248)10
      • Allowed shift work, which other abattoirs couldn’t do due to union suppported tally system (Pg 248)10
      • worked with AMIEU, Minister of Agricultural Industries (Simon Crean) to establish new working culture and training programs (Pg 248)10
        • Dubbo was the first registered training organisation for the meat industry outside of TAFE (Pg 248)10
      • Dubbo was the first plant to hot-bone mutton10
        • Traditionally lamb was cold boned and packaged in carcass sold in stockings as legs, back straps and trunk, hot boning meant the carcass was broken up while still warm and cut into primal cuts12

plate freezers_edited-1Source http://www.fletchint.com.au

The Plate freezing equipment used that is automated

1990

  • Fellmongery commenced operation (Fellmongery is the process of removing wool from the skin)4
    • previously skins had been going to France unprocessed(Pg 248)10
    • The fellmongery produced wool tops. Through support of then Keating government wool scouring and wool tops plant was established to to make clothing, textiles and footwear(Pg 248)10
      • First example in Australia of a wool processing plant incorporated with an abattoir (Pg 248)10
      • Economies of scale of the vertical integration using inputs of labour and water assisted production (Pg 248)10

1995

  • Wool scouring and topmaking plant started operation4

1997

  • Roger Flectcher awarded the Distinguished Australian of the Year Award (Pg 251) in recognition of his contribution to business’s and community  in advice and assistance on many matters, some outside of the meat industry10

1998

  • Fletchers expand to Western Australia – Narrikup abattoir (WA)12 (Abattoir listing yet to be added to this blog site)

2003

  • Transport difficulties were always a problem at Dubbo, NSW had maximum weight limits meant 40′ containers could not be fully utilised.10
  • Flectcher’s built their own rail siding and spur line as the NSW government wouldn’t finance it10
    • 1.2km long12
  • Fletchers purchase Mudgee abattoir (NSW)

2006

  • Roger Flectcher was acknowledged for indigenous employment with Neville bonner Memorial Award, this award also commended his work in employing disadvantaged youth (Pg 251)10

2007

  • Charles Sturt University bestowed an Honorary doctorate of Business on Roger Fletcher (Pg 251)10

2009

  • December. Slashing production and reducing staff, Dubbo retrenched 300.7
    • Night shift will continue, traneeships suspended, employment no longer offered to Asian students, grey nomad travellers and gap-year students preparing for university11
    • Issues raised by Roger Fletcher in regards to production downturn – Devasting drought throughout eastern Australia, extensive world-wide industry changes, rising costs and plummeting sheep numbers11
      • Plans to gear back up facility when drought breaks11
    • National sheep herd at its lowest level sincer federation at 71.6M head7
      • fallen 7% in last year, down by 17.5M compared to June 20067
        • Citing Live export as major factor as many breeding ewes are being exported.7
        • Australia exported live sheep 3,578,182 (CY 2009)9, lowest export volume since 1990/91 and prior to that had never been lower after 1974/75.8 See Australian Sheep Industry
          • Authors note – I believe most sheep sent to Live export are older sheep or males, not suited for lamb slaughter in Australia.
        • Lee Norris (AMIEU) blamed Live export industry, particularly demand from the Middle East for pushing saleyard prices higher.7
      • Saleyard prices of sheep at historical highs7
      • Global financial crisis had failed to lead to expected falls in domestic and international demand.7
        • Surging demand for Australian lamb, domestically and internationally7
      • high Australian Dollar – Currently at US91.25c7
    • Tough times for entire meat processing industry, particularly exporters.7
    • December is normally a high throughput period, standdowns usually occur in winter.7

2010

  • January. Shift reduction – forced to scale back production because of a drop in stock numbers caused by the drought1
  • Shrinking sheep flock and record lamb prices blamed for cutbacks5
  • Plant wanted to merge night and day shift into one 10 hour day6
    • AMIEU demanded redundancies6
    • Plant proposed one week on/one week off shift structure.6
  • Fair work Australia hearing – new arrangement6
    • 300 casual staff without work1
    • 10 hour shift, four days a week, as first proposed with no redundancies.6
  • May. Hiring 50 new staff – plans to operate one shift a day and not 25
  • could take up to 5 years to reach peak production due to drought impacts5
  • Producers are holding breeding sheep in restocking phase after good rain6
    • forced the price of lamb up6
    • “If you have less sheep you’ve got to get the most from the product you have” Roger Fletcher, Company director6
      • to obtain extra cuts from sheep carcase, plant requires more people6
  • 5000 head of sheep being processed a day since end of January.6
  • Dubbo current capacity around 9,000 sheep a day.14
    • Exports over two thirds to 90 countries
    • Largest employer in the area that is inland regional
      • Around 40,000 population, 11% Indigenous
  • Dubbo employs 900 full time staff.14
    • Approximately 5% of all wage and salary earners in Dubbo
    • 70% of staff are full time and mostly male
    • 70 employees work in high-technology wool-top-making facility on site
    • Employ around 150-200 Indigenous people at any one time
    • Some overseas workers – Up to 65 overseas employees can be employed at one time under working holiday 417 visas.
    • Don’t use 457 visa holders to any great extent
    • All Halal accreditated slaughtermen are Australian residents
    • An EBA is in effect and provides pay and conditions above award rates
      • facility for staff to be paid piece rates
      • two thirds of workers are union members
      • AMIEU elected representatives on site
      • Joint consultative committee
    • Strong emphasis on internal promotion to act as reward and strategy to retain staff

2011

  • April Plant processing at only 60%3
  • Wool processing plant shut down due to Chinese competition (Pg 249)

 supply_edited-1

 

Source http://www.fletchint.com.au
Some of the 70 markets that the Fletcher company export too showing one of their brand labels.

Sources Dubbo.2  #2309

  1.  ‘Young reeling after abattoir closure’ ABC rural. 04.02.10
  2.  ‘Abattoir industry in disastrous state’ ABC rural 16.02.10
  3.  ‘Abattoir closures to come’ Weekly times 27.04.11
  4. ‘Roger Fletcher’ Lifting the Lid on Quiet achievers. 18.06.13.
  5. ‘Dubbo abattoir hiring new staff’ ABC News. 11.05.10.
  6. ‘Abattoir hiring new blood’ Daily Liberal. 11.05.2010
  7. ‘Lamb exporters make savage cuts’ The Australian 14.12.2009
  8. Australian Livestock export trade. N Austin 2011
  9. http://www.daff.gov.au, Sheep export voyages
  10. World on a Plate. Stephen Martyn. 2014
  11. ‘Fletcher chops 300 jobs at Dubbo’ The Land 09.12.2009
  12. ‘Roger Fletcher’ Meat Trade News Daily 01.01.2013
  13. Meat Processing in Australia. IBIS world. January 2014
  14. Work-skills-and-training-2301-1
  15. https://www.csu.edu.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0010/614359/Fletcher-Roger-James.pdf
  16. http://www.abc.net.au/news/2010-05-11/dubbo-abattoir-hiring-new-staff/429854. 11.05.2010
  17. https://thenewdaily.com.au/money/finance-news/2013/10/24/dubbo-abattoir-completes-religious-kill/. 24.10.2013
  18. http://www.centralwesterndaily.com.au/story/2856478/dubbo-abattoir-and-workers-trying-to-sort-out-pay-and-production-dispute/. 03.02.2015
  19. http://www.abc.net.au/news/rural/2015-05-04/fletchers-shut-abattoir-for-a-week/6443354. 04.05.2015
  20. http://www.farmonline.com.au/story/3297667/stock-agents-told-to-chip-in-to-saleyard/. 01.06.2015
  21. http://www.theland.com.au/story/4557324/energy-crisis-could-push-red-meat-processing-offshore/. 01.04.2017

Wyndham

Australian Abattoirs, Kimberley, Western Australia, Wyndham 16/06/2013 Leave a comment

Current Operation

  • Closed

Location              

  • East Kimberley, 120km from NT border

Map Wyndham

map.Wyndham 001Source – Hema Australia Handy map 9th edition.

Locations of other Australian abattoirs.

Owner

  • Project Development Corporation (PDC) prior to 19765
  • Wyndham Meats (1960’s)
  • Hookers & PDC created a joint venture (1976)5
  • Hookers owned outright (1978) operated as Norwest Beef Industries Limited5

Operation

  • Seasonal operation killed May to September1
  • Average turnover was 30,000 hd cattle1
  • 45 yrs of public operation ran at a loss, sold 19661
  • Was export accredited – received cattle from NT prior to 1959 (when Darwin and Katherine) built1

 History

1897

  • JJ Holmes – Member for East Fremantle, member of parliament, at time Commissioner of railways – talked of long range solution to tick problem was formation of freezing works and chilling works at Wyndham. Pg 1777

1906

  • Talk of forming syndicates for chilling and beef-extract works in Wyndham. Pg 2057
  • Richard Tilden – British promotor who had been involved with failed mining schemes in Kalgoorlie, tries to raise capital to establish a floating abattoir.Pg 2337

1907

  • Properties from Kimberley were loading cattle at Wyndham for delivery to Robbs Jetty abattoir (WA), SS Mildura had run aground at North-West Cape and caused drowning of all 700 cattle aboard. Pg 2377
  • Kimberley pasturelands was producing more cattle than WA state could consume and were walking cattle overland to Queensland abattoirs.Pg 2367
  • James Mitchell, Minister for Agriculture promises provide two thirds of cost of construction of works at Wyndham. 40-50,000 pounds. Interest free for first 5 years and thereafter on gaurantee of 5%.Pg 2377
    • People weren’t happy with the meatworks receiving assistance.7

“Why should rich firms like these get large sums of government money free of interest whilst a struggling farmer can get no more than 500 punds and pay 6% for it” West Australian Newspaper.Pg 2377

1908

  • Techinical advisor of a large freezing works in Syndey investigates Wyndham proposal and advises cost to be minimum 100,000 pounds, 25,000 above original estimate.7
    • expert estimate included Jetty and supply of fresh water sourced 20 miles away from site7
    • Government withdraw support of funding. Pg 2597
    • Michael Durack visits William Angliss, who owns meatworks in Footscray, Melbourne, Angliss advises Durack that excluding land the facility cost 50,000 pounds, including freezing, chilling, boiling down and preserving works. pg 2677
  • Bovril Australian Estates show interest in partnering building of Wyndham abattoir. Pg 2937
    • Bovril would latter build Bullocky point abattoir (NT) in 1917, which only operated for 3 years
    • Bovril had just taken up leases in 1908 Victoria River Downs in NT and Carlton near Wyndham.Pg 3157
    • Bovril also said to be considering purchase of a steamer to convert to a floating abattoir7
      • approached Australian government for assistance and wanted to use Asian labour, business would be conducted in Cambridge gulf and not infringe on White Australia policy of the time. Pg 3157
  • Government attempted to assist with cattle movement – as alternative to sea transport subsidised the development of the Canning Stockroute. Pg 3167

1910

  • Kimberley cattle being sold for 3 pounds in Fremantle after shipping from Wyndham and Derby. Pg 3247
  • Live export was opening up to Philippines which would take light weight cattle. Pg 3247

1911

  • Advisor to Bovril that suitable site for an abattoir was on property Auvergne. Pg 3427
  • Government surveyor Sanderson, advises on feasibility of abattoir at Wyndham, with water being sourced from various sources.
    • Project wasn’t an alternative to Manilla live export trade but would be advantage to ship frozen meat to avoid quarantine  problems with stock to be held prior to shipping.Pg 3437
  • If meatworks not established in 1912. Richard Tilden would undertake project at estimated cost of 25,000 pounds, not including water which government was expected to provide. Pg 3497

1912

  • WA change of Government from Liberal to Labor – leader John Scadden. Withdraw support of Wyndham abattoir. Pg 3807
    • The government enter the Wholesale butchery business to reduce price of meat to public. Pg 3807
    • Government also take over shipping along coast. Pg 4377

1913

  • NT government talk of establishing meat works in Darwin, this is not supported by WA producers though a meatworks in Katherine was. Pg 3917
  • Government had already commited to establishment of abattoir in Darwin.7

1914

  • Vesteys sign a contract with government to establish meatworks in Darwin. Pg 4147 – Bullocky Point abattoir (NT)
  • Declaration of WW1 occured – WA government reconsider establishment of meatworks at Wyndham. Pg 4147

1915

  • March. WA state government sign a contract with building group Nevanas for materials and to construct abattoir for 159,510 pounds. Pg 4217
  • Bullocky point abattoir (NT) construction is well underway. Pg 4287
  • July. Agreement between government and Nevanas ended and Wyndham abattoir construction again under review.Pg 428.7
    • Shipping space to Nevanas had been made unprocurable. Pg 4307
    • 3% of estimate had been paid. Pg 4307
    • government renegotiated with Public works to build abattoir, some materials already delivered to Wyndham. Pg 4307
      • No public tender called and reaction of public was unfavourable.Pg 4307
  • Government supply two more ships for coast transport of people and cattle7
    • N.2. prinz Sigismund – Kaisers private yacht – renamed the Bambra. Pg 4377
    • Kangaroo – new vessel, first diesel engined motor vessel. Pg 4377

1916

  • Wyndham works making progress – mile from town, Water pool is located 20 miles out with 2 25,000 gallon tanks and pumping site.Pg 4417

1917

  • Trade union strikes impeded progress of meatworks construction. Pg 4547

1918

  • Meatworks costs now 723,000 pounds from original estimate of 155,150. Pg 4627
    • Debate on how the works was to be run, by the state or a joint enterprise. Pg 4627
    • Nevanas claimed they had the right to solely operate the facility. Pg 4627
  • Construction finished late in 1918, facility had an electric lift. Pg 4697

1919   

  • Constructed as a public meat works1
  • Meatworks to be operated under Government control7
    • Government offered producers 5-7 pounds less than other markets.Pg 4727
    • Post war markets and freighting costs were still indefinite.Pg 4727
    • Outbreak of pneumonic influenza forced quarantine – disrupted travel, delay in loading and unloading cargo.Pg 4737
  • Government resumed land held near abattoir, 60,000 acres, land was resumed forcefully including all improvements, living quarters, yards, fences and wells, from Duracks with no compensation. Pg 4817

1920

  • VRD cattle (Owner – Bovril Australian Estates) were Wyndham’s largest supplier5
  • Angliss discuss with Durack possibility of leasing Wyndham works.7
    • Angliss has processed in Australia 1,250,000 sheep and 30,000 cattle. Employed 1,000 men at 4 pounds to 4pounds 10 shillings a week. Pg 4907
  • June. Works having difficulties – inexperienced workers and strikes for higher pay. Pg 494.7

1930  

  • VRD supplied one third of 10 568 head slaughtered this year5
  • Abattoir paid £3 1s 5d, compared to realised value on VRD for 4000 head purchased by Sidney Kidman, paying £4 2s 6d5Pg 118.
  • ‘condemns’ chuted to be processed as meatmeal – ‘political reasons’5Pg 144.

Note by Jo Bloomfield – Not sure what this statement was in reference too – think there was strife between the management and workers and more than usual number of condemned cattle occurring, Could also refer to the government overseers.

1942

  • Japanese attacked Darwin, Government at the time were concerned if Japan invaded from the north that they would have a ready supply of meat and food therefore temporaily closed the meatworks down from this time to approximately 1949.6
  • Government also had landholders remove many cattle from northern properties and move south incase of invasion, so as to deny ready food source6
  • Cattle which had normally supplied this abattoir were now walked down the Murranji stockroute, eventually to QLD, 47,000 cattle in 1942, 30,000 from Vestey’s Wavehill alone. Demand for meat had increased on east due to Troops6

1949

  • ‘Airbeef’ Cattle slaughtered on Glenroy station, meat flown to Wyndham and Derby for exports and freezing1

1950’s

  • Abattoirs in the north were still operated ‘frontier mentality'(Pg 64)9
    • short processing seasons of 20-25 weeks9
    • largley itinerant labour9
    • Living and working conditions were dangerous9
    • Animal welfare standards were low9
    • Sanitation compiled to UK market standardsfor quarter beef, were well below standards for emerging US markets of boxed beef (Pg 64)9
  • US grinding beef market of the late 1950’s suited the cattle that were present in the north (Pg 64)9
  • Plants were encouraged to upgrade to meet USDA standards (Pg 64)9

1959

  • Improved to meet stringent USDA (USA Dept of agriculture) hygiene regulations1

1960’s

  • Wyndham Meats – Collective bargaining with Emanuel Exports, including Derby and Broome
  • UK agreement – quarter bone in carcases – meat was of inferior quality. Many condemned and processed into meatmeal5

1966  

  • Abattoir sold to private buyer1.

1968

  • Entire plant is condemned for its wooden structure by USDA reviewer(Pg 64)9
    • Decision was extended to cover all Wyndham beef on the water and in the US9
  • Affected importers and exporters, Wasn’t covered by insurance (Pg 64)9
    • finanical fallout took many years to resolve.9
  • Connections in Eastern Europe and Austria came in to play (Pg 65)9
    • 1,000t of affected product still in Australia was picked up at Wyndham and sold to Romania, with health certificates9
    • Export statistics don’t show shipments to Romania for that year, apparently customs and DPI were not present at loading9

 1970

  • Couldn’t meet USDA standards – lost export licence, so did Broome, Derby, Darwin and Katherine1
  • Beef Crisis was taking effect, many northern abattoirs were losing money.9

1970’s 

  • Ray Fryer – Uranpunga, Roper Gulf (NT) – trucked his own cattle from property to works. 3 day round trip, 1100 miles, 22 bullocks or 20 cows, received $150/hd ($3000 total), cost $500 fuel. “It was the only way to get a bit of money coming in”4

       1974

  • Ian Mc Bean was sending load of cattle from Bradshaw, return of sale barely covered costs of sending the animals (Pg 122)8

1976

  • PDC & Hookers created joint venture in attempt to rationalise the Katherine and Wyndham meatworks, outside shareholdings also purchased5

1978   

  • Hooker Corporation owned outright5

1985  

  • Export beef plant closed June 19851
  • Stayed open longer than other plants as was subsidised by the government3
  • Effluent from the works ran into a drain and straight into the sea, great burly for sharks (Pg 67)9

Sources

  1. ‘Sailing ahead’ Annabelle Coppin. 2009
  2. ‘The Australian livestock Export trade’ Nigel Austin 2011
  3. ‘Northern Australian Beef industry – Assessment of risks and opportunities’ ABARE 2012
  4.  ‘Red Dust Rising- The story of Ray Fryer of Urapunga’ Marion Houldsworth 2004.
  5. ‘The Big Run- The story of VRD station’ Jock Makin. 1970
  6. ‘The Murranji track – Ghost road of the drovers’ Darrell Lewis 2007.
  7. ‘Sons in the Saddle’ Mary Durack.
  8. ‘The privileged few’ Jeff Hill. 2008
  9. ‘World on a plate – A history of meat processing in Australia’ Stephen Martyn 2013

Australian Abattoirs – Organisation of information

Australian Abattoirs, Organisation of information 15/06/2013 Leave a comment

I am still in construction phase of this site and trying to work out what does or doesn’t work. If you have ideas on layout or advice to enhance the capabilities of this site I would be greatly appreciated if you wrote a comment as to what they may be.

Each abattoir is listed under its suburb name, at times this is difficult to ascertain as particularly in WA some people refer to the abattoir by the owners names.

Each abattoir is organised in a basic format.

Name (suburb)

Other known names.

Current Operation

Lists if the abattoir is currently operating as at time of writing.

It doesn’t show if the abattoir opened and closed in periods of its existance.

Location

Location relative to the closest major town centre

Map – Approximate placement in Australia

Detailed map – of its location.

Owner

Listing of owner or owners, company name if available.

Year in brackets is time when that owner took over operation

If available the manager for the time is also listed

Operation

Information in regards to

  • construction costs,
  • types of animals processed
  • Ausmeat accredited.

History

Timelines – years are intended as broad references, they are not always exact and may conflict with other articles.

More recent years the month is also listed

Sources

Most information is sourced by a number.

More detailed information on source information is available in the Information tab, which I intend to add in the future.

Sources are not numbered the same number for article in different abattoirs listings.