SHEEP and goat processing plant, Wallangarra Meatworks, on the Queensland/NSW border, will close it’s doors on Friday indefinitely.
Owner Thomas Foods International has cited livestock shortages and difficult global trading conditions.
In a statement, chief executive officer Darren Thomas said employees had been informed the facility would cease operations for the near to medium future.
The closure follows on from an extended stand down since April.
Last year, the plant employed around 260 workers.
“In making this decision, we wanted to give our loyal employees some certainty with regards to their employment so they could move on with their lives and either seek alternative positions within our group or pursue other work opportunities elsewhere,” Mr Thomas said.
All employees will be paid their respective entitlements as defined in the company’s enterprise agreement, including any notice period and leave accruals.
“A number of Wallangarra employees have already transferred to our company’s Tamworth operation and we are hopeful that others who have been offered the opportunity will follow suit,” Mr Thomas said.
“Thomas Foods International is very hopeful of retaining skilled employees who wish to relocate to other operations within our group and we would offer what support and training we can in helping in this transition.”
Thomas Foods International maintains large meat processing centres in Murray Bridge in South Australia and Tamworth in New South Wales.