JBS Australia to reopen lamb and goat processing facility

JBS Australia has announced it will reopen its processing facility in Cobram, Victoria, to service the growing demand for lamb, goat and mutton proteins, both in Australia and overseas.

The facility was last operational in 2017 and has been in care and maintenance mode since, consistent with the company’s objective to reopen it once market conditions supported its sustainable operation.

The company is now investing around $20 million in the latest processing and safety technologies to restart the facility, which will have the capacity to process up to 4000 head of livestock per day.

As part of the Great Southern and JBS Australia businesses, the Cobram facility will focus on delivering against a range of sustainability targets including CO₂ reduction, water and energy conservation and people safety.

“JBS Australia is proud to reopen its Cobram facility to support jobs and economic growth in the local community,” said Sam McConnell, Chief Operating Officer of JBS Southern. “Today’s changed market conditions and increasing demand for lamb products has allowed us to invest in this fit-for-purpose facility which will partner with local businesses and livestock producers to deliver Australian lamb, mutton and goat to domestic and international consumers.”

The company has been actively recruiting local Cobram workers for 150 roles initially required at the facility, which is set to increase to 350 jobs at full capacity.

“JBS Australia is pleased to have the opportunity to work alongside the Cobram community again. This reinforces our commitment to continually invest in Australia, our facilities, our people and local businesses,” said Brent Eastwood, CEO of JBS Australia. “Our customers, both here and overseas, are demanding high-quality Australian lamb and goat produce. Reopening the Cobram facility has been a key priority for our business to meet this demand and explore growth opportunities overseas for the benefit of the local Cobram economy, livestock producers and our people.”

Image credit: iStock.com/Vladimir Mironov