IT'S back to business as usual next Tuesday when JBS Swift re-opens its Rockhampton meat processing plant in Queensland after cyclone damage put it out of action for six weeks.
The plant suffered extensive damage when Tropical Cyclone Marcia made landfall on February 20, which was further exacerbated by the presence of asbestos in a damaged roof.
JBS Australia chief executive John Berry said their team had worked exceptionally hard to get the plant up and running in a short a time as possible.
“It’s a true reflection on the management team, which has been working with our 500 employees and contractors,” he said.
“It gives long-term livestock suppliers confidence that we are up and running next week.”
While Mr Berry would not put a figure on how much the processor had paid to get the plant in working order, he admitted it was in the millions.
“We have invested significantly to get this up and going and it confirms our confidence in the Rockhampton operation,” Mr Berry said.
This financial loss is compounded by lost production – 700 head of cattle six days a week. The 27,300 cattle not being processed in that period had an immediate impact on local markets, which had only just started to pick up in January and February.
“We have looked to work with producers and communicated with this – and this is a strong response to let them and the people in Rocky know we are in here for the long haul.”
Mr Berry said the 500 staff, some of whom had moved to other JBS plants around the state, would be back at work on Tuesday for the first kill day.
“From all reports, I am glad to hear that we have been able to keep the team together in Rocky,” he said.
Rockhampton’s second meat processor, Teys Australia, was out of action for two weeks after the cyclone, but back to work on Friday, March 6, with a weekly kill of around 1600.
