Bea-ewe-tiful! Abattoir expansion creates jobs in Stawell
There are now even more job opportunities for people in Stawell, thanks to upgrades at Thomas Foods International’s expanded abattoir.
Supported by a Victorian Government investment, it’s a big win for workers and regional food production.
Already Stawell’s largest employer, the expansion brings another 100 jobs to town, taking the total on-site workforce to 600.
It will almost double lamb production at the facility to more than 2.3 million per year, cementing Thomas Foods International as a leader in Victoria's lamb market. It will also help the company expand lamb exports across global markets,
The Stawell site is already rated as one of Australia's best lamb processing facilities. The abattoir is a key supplier for Woolworths and Aldi and a major exporter.
Works completed include:
- a new chiller room with capacity for an extra 2,000 carcasses
- a larger lamb boning room
- a new coldroom storage facilities
- extra truck loading bays.
The expansion also included the installation of innovative technology and equipment, including an in-line traceability system which all areas of the abattoir are now connected to. This will increase demand for Australian lamb and mutton by ensuring only top-quality lamb makes it to market.
New roles created in Stawell from the expansion include:
- managerial roles
- labourer roles
- forklift operators
- drovers
- maintenance workers.
The bigger and better facilities, and larger workforce will help take Victorian products to a wider international market. All while reinforcing Stawell and the Grampians region as a food processing powerhouse.
Support for Thomas Foods International forms part of our record investment in rural and regional Victoria over the last decade. It’s about creating more jobs close to home and thriving regional economies.
For more information, visit Regional Development Victoria.