18 | Improving efficiency The plant processes between 67,000 and 75,000 head of cattle a year on a full-time, 47-week schedule. REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT ANZCO Foods - Kōkiri T T Kelly Deeks ANZCO Foods’ Kōkiri beef-processing plant is one of the West Coast’s largest employers, backing its workforce with long-term investment, sustainability upgrades, and strong export demand. The Kōkiri site, located inland from Greymouth, employs about 200 people and contributes more than $133 million each year to the region through wages, salaries, and supplier payments. Site manager Hayden Lister says the plant plays a major role in keeping families and communities thriving on the Coast. “We’re probably the second- or third-biggest employer in the region, and if we’ve got 200 employees, that means at least 200 families,” Hayden says. “It’s a really great opportunity for people around here, and you don’t need a qualification to get started.” Hayden says the workforce is highly stable, with nearly 100% retention and very little difficulty attracting staff. Around 170 people work directly on the processing floor, supported by about 30 additional staff. The plant processes between 67,000 and 75,000 head of cattle a year on a full-time, 47week schedule, supported by strong demand from Japan, China, the United States, and domestic customers. Premium beef for the McDonald’s burger range is a key component of its output. The facility was originally built in about 1980, and acquired by ANZCO Foods in 2002. During the past few years, the plant has undergone a significant strategic review programme expected to finish by the end of 2026. ANZCO Foods continues to focus on its environmental, social and governance responsibilities, and Kokiri continues to build on these responsibilities. “There has been a huge focus on driving operational efficiencies, which have been supported by internal and external upgrades with hundreds of thousands, if not millions, invested,” says Hayden. One of the most significant projects saw an ageing coal-fired boiler replaced with an all-electric heat pump hot water system. Hayden says the shift reflects ANZCO Foods’ sustainability commitments and improves efficiency. “We’ve taken a lot of dirty energy out, which is big for the West Coast. The heat pump has also reduced the high downtime experienced with the old boiler and reduced running costs. “Across the site we’ve also been focused on reducing our environmental impacts, improving our water efficiency with a 25% reduction, improved the performance of our wastewater treatment system and introduced initiatives to reduce electricity use.” ANZCO Foods Kōkiri is part of New Zealand’s ANZCO Foods group, which is Japanese-owned. Hayden says ANZCO’s shareholder strongly supports ongoing investment and sustainability improvements. ANZCO Foods is also a founding investor in AgriZeroNZ, the public–private partnership funding emissions reduction initiatives across farming. ANZCO Foods Kōkiri recognises it has a significant role in the community and has a strong local commitment. The site partners with local schools to support apprenticeships in trades such as engineering, electrical, and plumbing, and runs youth work experience pathways to address an ageing workforce. Em: deane@westeng.co.nz | o ce@westeng.co.nz Trading hours: Monday - Friday 7.30am - 5.00pm Saturday’s 9.00am - 12.00 noon 10 Boundary Street, PO Box 100, Greymouth Ph: (03) 768 5720 • Engineering & Mining Equipment • Power & Handtools • Bolts & Nuts • Welding Plant & Supplies • Abrasives • Generators & Compressors • Protective Paints • Trailer Equipment • Fishing & Marine Supplies • Caltex Lubricant Distributor • Ironman 4x4 Distributor • Hydraulic & Industrial hose • Components, filters & Vertex hydraulic oil • Reseal hydraulic motors & cylinders • West Coast Wide 24/7 • Century Yuasa batteries of all sizes • Starter motors, alternators & diagnostics • Air-Con repair 144Tainui Street (top of Brewery Hill), Greymouth Phone (03) 7689393 No job toobigor small at SMHydraulics&Auto-Electrical
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