Alliance processing beef at Lorneville

Alliance Group completed an 18-month upgrade project and began processing beef at its Lorneville plant, near Invercargill, this week.

The project cost close to $5 million and was carried out with support from the Provincial Growth Fund.

It involved an engine room upgrade and the reconfiguration of the co-operative’s venison plant, so it can also process beef.

The group would not say how many animals the plant could process, citing commercial sensitivity, but said it would free up space at the Mataura plant for prime steer, heifer and bull.

Chief executive David Surveyor said the project was a key part of the co-operative’s beef growth strategy and in direct response to farmer demand.

‘‘We have seen a steady increase in supply volumes year-on-year and our farmers have been seeking more beef capacity in peak season. This investment meets this need but also benefits our deer farmers because we have increased the plant’s venison processing capacity,’’ he said.

Alliance Group would continue investing in a premium beef portfolio and strengthening its beef performance at its Mataura, Levin and Pukeuri (Oamaru) plants, Surveyor said.

The beef expansion would create longer seasons for staff and add jobs to the region, he said.