Thomas Foods International has reopened its meat processing facility in Murray Bridge, South Australia, after the original plant was destroyed in a fire in January 2018. The facility, which is now operational, and is now commissioning production, is the single biggest investment that TFI has ever undertaken.
Construction on the plant commenced in December 2020, and now stands ten stories tall. The recent handover from building company, BADGE signalled the end of the construction period.
TFI is now endeavouring to rebuild its production workforce promptly, with vacancies available for immediate start. The company has a strong focus on both entry-level and experienced roles, and a full-capacity workforce is hoped to be fulfilled as quickly as possible. The recruitment phase will be ongoing as production endures, with the equipment to process up to 600 cattle per day and space for 350 staff planned for the stage of the new development.
TFI has already recruited skilled workers into senior positions, including plant manager Sam Jones, livestock manager Hugh Walsh, lairages supervisor Sabrina Nottage, senior environmental manager Elizabeth Cronje, and head chef Alex Thompson. Thomas Foods International CEO Anthony Stewart said that the hiring campaign undertaken by the company was designed to focus on locals from the Murry Bridge region.
“Our focus will be on resourcing to support operations with the first commissioning phase processing to take place today, then we will scale up production in line with our workforce on-boarding. This is a unique opportunity to join a dynamic Australian company and work in the most modern and advanced facility of its kind anywhere in the world,” said Stewart.
TFI is carrying out detailed testing of all equipment used in the facility as part of the company commissioning program, and the date for the official re-opening is expected to be in the coming months.
“Our new Murray Bridge facility has been designed with worker safety and comfort front of mind. From the large staff kitchen and recreational areas to the training rooms and workstations, it’s all first class.”
