Pig producers celebrate Brechin plant’s reopening after blaze

Scotland’s main pig processing plant in Brechin yesterday re-opened its doors after an extensive reconstruction programme.

The site, officially launched in 2016 following a £10 million investment, has been closed since a suspected arson attack on 5 August this year. But the processing lines have now restarted albeit with a reduced throughput prior to ramping up to levels achieved before the fire.

Following the fire, plant operators Quality Pork Ltd (QPL) – a combination of Scottish pig producers and Danish giant Tulip – undertook an extensive programme of building, repair and cleaning works essential to restoring operations at the site.

During the reconstruction, QPL worked closely with Quality Meat Scotland (QMS), the Scottish Government and industry organisations in maintaining the Scottish pig supply chain.

This included a temporary derogation which allowed pigs eligible for the Specially Selected Pork brand, which would have been slaughtered at Brechin, to be processed at another Tulip site specifically approved and regularly monitored by QMS representatives.

QPL staff were relocated to Tulip sites in England to maintain employment and skills, and all employees have been retained and have now returned to Brechin.

QPL chairman Roderic Bruce, who farms in the North-east, said: “This ehas been a truly collaborative effort.

“Not only has there been huge focus on getting the site back into shape, there has been a big operation in place to ensure the impact on Scottish pig producers has been minimal.

“It’s great to be back in business and I would like to thank the QPL team, Tulip, QMS, Scottish Government, farmers, suppliers and hauliers for the great efforts and commitment that has been required in order to maintain supply of Scottish pigs.”