The new Thomas Foods International meat processing facility in Murray Bridge, South Australia is now operational, with commissioning production scheduled to commence today, along with a major recruitment campaign. The new plant is the single biggest investment TFI has ever undertaken, and replaces the original plant destroyed by fire in January 2018.
Since the first sod was turned in December 2020, the greenfield site has been transformed with building works on a structure reaching up to 10 storeys in height. Handover of the facility from project builder BADGE to TFI recently occurred, effectively marking the end of the construction phase.
TFI is now looking to build its production workforce quickly with immediate starts available. TFI is placing a strong focus on experienced and entry level production roles, and the company aiming to achieve full production capacity as soon as possible.
Recruitment will be ongoing as production ramps up to 600 head of cattle per day with up to 350 staff expected to be employed under Stage One of the new development.
TFI has already filled some of the skilled operations and senior positions to date including the appointments of Murray Bridge plant manager Sam Jones, senior environmental manager Elizabeth Cronje, livestock manager Hugh Walsh, lairages supervisor Sabrina Nottage and head chef Alex Thompson.
Thomas Foods International CEO Anthony Stewart said the recruitment campaign was targeting locals from Murray Bridge and the surrounding area.
“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.
“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 work stations, it’s all first class," said Stewart.
As part of its commissioning program for the facility TFI is carrying out detailed testing of all equipment and systems, including initial processing runs, with a date for the official opening expected to be announced in coming weeks.
