| 29 Talley’s Group - Timaru Ange Davidson Investing in specialised processing Talley’s Group has been investing in automation to take the heavy work out of its specialised fish processing operation. REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT Since Talley’s Group completed a full factory rebuild on the Timaru wharf in 2001, the company has been investing in automation to take the heavy work out of its specialised fish processing operation. Innovative machinery and production methods are creating a more attractive work environment for its employees while becoming one most technologically advanced facilities in the country. Recent additions to the site are new fish skinning machines imported from France and a water jet cutter from Iceland which debones fish using high-pressure water. These machines are safer to use and take some load out of the job. Regional Manager Scott Bain says Talley’s focus is on automating the plant which is as much to do with Health and Safety as it is on improving the processing flowlines. “We’ve invested heavily in automation to make it easier and safer for our staff and to improve our processing methods. It will always be a hands-on job, but we’re taking the heavy work out of it,” says Scott. “We have invested in a heating system in the factory to create a consistent environment. While a fish processing factory needs to be cool, the Timaru site was known for being really cold! It’s been a great investment for our staff.” As the site can process up to 20 different species in a day and each fish has different cutting techniques, automation will never replace the skilled work of filleting, trimming and packing fish by hand. “We have 106 staff at the factory which includes yard staff who are unloading vessels and trucks and a small, dedicated clean-up crew. We supply our staff with full PPE gear, woollen gloves and thermals. We encourage staff with teenagers at home to bring them in for a shift on Saturdays or school holidays so they can get a feel for how it works. They get part-time work and a pay cheque, and we get their energy and enthusiasm, so it’s a winwin,” says Scott. With Timaru being such an important region for primary industries and home to several produce processing plants, it is a competitive job market especially in harvest season. Tally’s Group run into a similar problem at their processing plants in Motueka and Westport, and COVID has played its part by reducing the immigrant workforce. Talley’s runs three processing plants and unloading depots at Nelson, Greymouth, and Bluff. Along with the local fishing vessels unloading at Timaru wharf, fish from Kaikoura to Bluff are ice packed and transported to the processing plant. In winter, fish are sent to Timaru from the West Coast as the Westport factory is busy processing Hoki. When the weather is bad and there is no fresh fish coming in, frozen fish from deep sea fleets will be H W LIMITED TIMARU For all enquiries, contact the Managing Directors: 25 YEARS+ EXPERIENCE BlastCraft ABRASIVE BLASTERS AND COATING SPECIALISTS Refrigeration • Air Conditioning Heat Pumps • Ventilation • Cool Rooms Ducted Systems • Freezer Rooms Cool Air are proud to be involved in this project with Talleys, installing comfort heating & cooling for their factory sta . 3 Cli Street, Timaru 03 684 8034 or 027 4399 408 info@coolair.nz www.coolair.nz FUNCTIONAL SAFETY REVIEW, DESIGN & IMPLEMENTATION Industrial Controls are proud to support the Talleys Group reprocessed so staff are guaranteed consistent work hours. “Timaru is a really cool district to come to,” enthuses Scott. “It’s big enough but small enough to be family friendly and housing prices are way cheaper compared to larger cities around the country. The Pacific Ocean and beautiful beaches are right on your doorstep and the mountains are only an hour away for tramping, skiing, hunting, and fishing.
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