Silver Fern Farms purchases Frasertown sheep plant

30 September 2011

Silver Fern Farms purchases Frasertown sheep processing plant

Silver Fern Farms has purchased the Frasertown sheep processing plant in the Northern Hawkes Bay for an undisclosed sum, effective immediately.

This single chain sheep meat plant currently processes about 3750 sheep per week and will complete Silver Fern Farms processing footprint throughout New Zealand.

Silver Fern Farms Chairman, Eoin Garden says “The acquisition will reduce livestock transport distance’s which is positive from both an animal welfare and carbon emission perspective and will allow suppliers in Wairoa and Gisborne a true local alternative.

It also ensures the capability and continuity of outlets for sheep meat processing in the region, preserving the alternatives for farmers to market their stock”.

Eoin Garden adds “This shows we have absolute confidence in the sheep meat sector, it allows us as a farmer owned co-operative to show the initiative in the sector that sometimes appears to be operating within a leadership vacuum”.

Silver Fern Farms Chief Executive, Keith Cooper says “Whilst the Red Meat Strategy document makes many theoretical recommendations, the reality is that one of the clearest pathways to creating a sustainable red meat sector will ultimately be driven by commercial decisions in relation to aggregation. This acquisition is another clear demonstration of commercial initiatives that Silver Fern Farms continues to embark on, not only to enhance its own business by merging smaller innovative companies into its model, but also the aggregation of the processing base brings the consolidation of exporters to the international market place”.

Plant Manager Tom Dever says “Silver Fern Farms involvement will provide additional resources to assist the plant create new market opportunities going into the future. We are looking forward to working together”.

Mr Dever who has been with the company for more than 20 years will continue in his role as plant manager.

Silver Fern Farms intends to run Frasertown as a stand-alone operation with networks into various marketing and operations capability. Currently employing about 40 staff, it is intended that all staff will continue in employment with the company.

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