Queensland export pork processor, Swickers, has officially re-started production on Wednesday at the company’s Kingaroy facility.
The SunPork Fresh Foods owned plant under went a $60 million expansion and restoration of its boning, chilling and export facilities after a fire in 2016.
Swickers Kingaroy Bacon Factory is the largest pork processing plant in the southern hemisphere and the only export accredited pork facility in Queensland.
The pork processing plant’s redevelopment will double its processing capacity compared to the old facility.
Queensland manufacturing minister Cameron Dick officially opened the plant, which had already commenced pork processing.
“Swickers currently processes over 90 per cent of the pigs processed in Queensland and this expansion will allow the broader pig industry in our state to grow with the increased processing capacity.,” Mr Dick said.
“This will support regional growth in piggeries, transport providers and all other participants in the regional supply chain.”
SunPork Group managing director Robert van Barneveld said they’re extremely proud of what has been achieved since the fire and the work that has been done to restore processing capacity.
“This could not have been accomplished without the support of our staff, customers, suppliers, the local community and government,” Dr Van Barneveld said.
“We look forward to now expanding the business with installation of a world-class, state-of-the-art abattoir.”
