4 | REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT AFFCO - Imlay Whanganui regional growth Engaged with farmers & the community Ongoing investment in the plant is driving productivity gains as well as supporting staff health, safety and wellbeing. T T Kim Newth Supporting the local agricultural community has always been front and centre for the team at Whanganui’s AFFCO Imlay plant that caters to farmers throughout the southern North Island. Ongoing investment in the plant is driving productivity gains as well as supporting staff health, safety and wellbeing. “The Manawatu-Whanganui area boasts the largest sheep and beef populations in New Zealand, contributing to half the nation’s lamb exports,” observes AFFCO Imlay’s plant manager Walid Mahmoud. “As one of the leading ovine processing plants, we also engage in the processing of bobby calves during the season.” In honour of the valued connection with farmers, the plant holds an annual open day that includes guided tours and a luncheon featuring processed meats sourced from the raw products provided by local farmers. The original plant, built in 1915, has been extensively upgraded through the years. Today’s innovative multi-shift processing operation produces a wide range of retail cuts, both chilled and frozen, for supply to domestic and global markets along with pet food, dry meal and other products. Almost everything is used, producing very little waste. On top of that, AFFCO’s commitment to sustainability and carbon reduction has led to innovations such as a new carton design for beef processing that eliminates the need for plastic strapping. The use of plastic liners is also rapidly decreasing. “We are continually exploring methods to minimise our reliance on such materials while ensuring that our packaging remains effective in reducing waste and spoilage.” Many local families have intergenerational employment connections with the plant. On average, it employs 490-510 people including engineers, administration staff, a compliance team, supervisors and managers. The plant actively hires throughout the year, with recruitment stepping up for seasonal peaks. As their workforce has grown, so too has the focus on providing employees with a safe and comfortable work environment. This focus has paved the way to a new amenities block, successfully completed using local contractors in mid-2023 in time for the start of the 2023-24 season. It features a dining area for up 400 people, updated changing rooms, plus a dedicated changing room for outdoor workers, a large laundry department, two spacious kitchens, a canteen, a first aid clinic, several offices and a main foyer and reception area that serves as the plant’s administrative and managerial hub. “We have observed a significant enhancement in our employees’ attitudes and productivity since the new block opened and we remain committed to further improving and raising the standards of work at Imlay.” A five-year plan to modernise the facility has led to additional improvements this year, with the main gates recently upgraded. The store and container area has also been renovated, featuring new concrete flooring and involving 1320m2 of earthworks. In addition, modern efficient machinery and advanced filtration systems have been installed in the rendering plant. AFFCO has worked to improve health and safety across the whole company for many years now, investing in safe technology such as seven new Guardian bandsaws at Imlay. Products 06 344 7051 | e: admin@forkliftsupplies.co.nz | w: forkliftsupplies.co.nz Forklift Hire Scissor Lift Hire Avant Hire Forklift parts and repairs Commercial & Residential Hire, Competitive Rates & Leases Available &Services: YOUR SYSTEMS INTEGRATION COMPANY TIGER AUTOMATION LTD IS A SYSTEMS INTEGRATION COMPANY FORMED TO MANAGE THE GROWING NEEDS OF AUTOMATION PROJECTS. WE CAN DESIGN, BUILD, AND COMMISSION ANY AUTOMATION PROJECT. 06 344 7503 | info@tiger-automation.co.nz | www.tiger-automation.co.nz OUR SERVICES COMPLETE SYSTEM DESIGN, BUILD AND COMMISSIONING SERVICES. PLC PROGRAMMING HMI PROGRAMMING SCADA PROGRAMMING (FACTORYTALK, INTOUCH WONDERWARE AND IGNITION) VARIABLE SPEED DRIVES / SOFT STARTERS SUPPLY, INSTALLATION, COMMISSIONING AND FAULT FINDING. REPAIRS AND MAINTENANCE CAD DRAWINGS PROJECT MANAGEMENT. INSTALLATION. Part of their community, AFFCO Imlay fielded four teams at last year’s Whanganui 3 Bridges Marathon, achieving first place. Their staff also supported local police last Christmas for Operation Blue Santa, collecting gifts, clothing and food items for children in need.
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