Pork processor, Big River Pork has announced a $14 million investment at its South Australian plant which is set to create 140 new jobs in the Murray Bridge area.
The project will also create an estimated 46 jobs in the construction phase and will benefit local farmers, transport operators, feed suppliers and other participants in the local pork industry.
The expansion will enable Big River Pork to increase its production to meet a new long term supply agreement as consumer demand for pork continues to grow.
The expansion will make Big River Pork one of the largest pork processors in Australia.
Big River Pork Chairman Geoff Hampel told the ABC the project would allow the company to increase production in line with a new supply agreement.
“Over the years the shareholders of the company have increased their volumes and they’ve gained new business in various customers around Australia,” he said.
“It’s great news not only for Big River Pork and its employees but for new employees, the town and the economy.”
The company’s investment is being supported by the State Government through a total $900,000 grant with equal contributions from the Economic Investment Fund and the Regional Development Fund. Investment Attraction South Australia (IASA) has been the supporting agency in this development.
“This expansion by Big River Pork is a confident investment in South Australia, creating 140 new full time equivalent jobs, and further securing our state as a major player in the Australian pork industry,” said Premier Jay Weatherill.
“Big River Pork is a major employer in the Murraylands, with a current workforce of 190 full time equivalent positions and this will increase to a total of 330 when the expansion is expected to be completed in 2019.”