36 | Technology, training gives a boost When it was first rebuilt, the plant was processing 250 cattle a day, now it averages 700 a day. from page 34 Manawatū: AFFCO Manawatū REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT Affco PROUD TO SUPPORT PH 06 344 7503 184 Glasgow St Wanganui www.walkerthomas.co.nz Our key product ranges: Gloves/Protective Clothing/Boots (Bekina) 0800 10 45 68 lynnriver.co.nz YOU’RE IN SAFE HANDS Proud to support AFFCO Darrell Hoskin MANAGER 390 Heads Rd, Wanganui 4501 PH: 06 344 7002 FAX: 06 344 7449 MOB: 027 437 0095 darrell@hoskincarriers.co.nz www.hoskincarrierswanganui.co.nz 437 Heads Road, Wanganui | Phone 06 345 4183 | admin@macell.co.nz ON CALL 24 HOURS Specialists in Electrical, Security & CCTV AINTENANCE LECTRICAL LTD C When the plant was rebuilt in 1992, it went from operating as a multi-species plant to a smaller modern beef-only plant. Investment in new technology has since fuelled a significant increase in cattle processing. “When it was first rebuilt, the plant was processing 250 cattle a day or 60,000 a year. “Now we process up to 700 a day or up to 130,000 a year – and the number of staff employed has increased accordingly. “We’ve gone from having one shift a day to two shifts almost all year round.” As well, AFFCO Manawatū helps out students from Massey University and UCOL Manawatū with summer holiday work during the plant’s peak season. “Some also work here during the year in their holidays or weekends.” AFFCO Manawatū produces a full range of beef cuts, both chilled and frozen, together with associated offals, for supply to domestic and global markets. T he plant is fully halal approved and has the technology to x-ray measure chemical lean levels in each carton of bulk packed meat. “If you think about the composition of commercial fast food burger patties, each one is the same. In order to achieve consistency for that market, you need to have a supply of meat with a very specific fat content. We use the x-ray technology to automatically select the right level of fat in the meat as it goes down the line.” New technology is also creating a safe and supportive work environment. For example, a modern and ergonomically friendly bone puller is used to assist the once arduous job of de-boning beef. “Another recent innovation is the Guardian Bandsaw that prevents serious cuts as it can detect when an operator’s hand comes within range of the blade and stops automatically. “We have one ready to go in on site right now. As well, we have a palletising robot scheduled to go in over the next 12 to 24 months that will reduce heavy lifting for staff.” The plant meets strict hygiene and animal welfare requirements and is regularly audited for export markets. “We have full-time vets on site auditing us all the time, as well as ongoing audits from overseas markets and customers.” AFFCO Manawatū provides comprehensive in-house training for staff to ensure they operate safely and in line with the plant’s high standards. An online shop for staff provides food products at good prices to promote healthy eating and to help with grocery bills. For workers who may not be getting breakfast at home or packing lunch for work, the plant also provides free soup, porridge, tea, coffee and fruit. A viewing gallery at the plant is regularly filled with visiting groups, including from local high schools. “I’m glad that we can play a role in raising awareness about the industry and its important contribution to the New Zealand economy.”
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