• TFI starts recruitment drive on taking over Frew at Stawell - Sheep Central

    Thursday 4 Jun 2026 by

    AUSTRALIA'S largest fully family-owned red meat processor Thomas Foods International has taken over full ownership of Victorian-based Frew Foods International. In 2020, TFI acquired a 50 percent stake in Frew in a deal that provided both Australian companies  with growth prospects across key national and international markets. TFI has now increased its investment to a 100pc stake in the 39-year-old company, the company said today. As part of the agreement – effective July 1, 2023 – Frew managing director Robert Frew will depart from the business and Frew will become a wholly owned subsidiary of the TFI global group of companies. Frew will be rebranded... Read more >

  • Thomas foods takes full ownership of frew foods

    Thursday 4 Jun 2026 by

    Thomas Foods International (TFI) has taken over full ownership of Victoria-based Frew Foods International, which will be rebranded as Thomas Foods International Stawell. In 2020, TFI acquired a 50 per cent stake in Frew in a deal that provided both Australian companies with growth prospects across key national and international markets. TFI has now increased its investment to a 100 per cent stake in the 39-year-old company. The agreement came into effect on 1 July, and will see Frew managing director Robert Frew depart from the business and Frew become a wholly owned subsidiary of the TFI global group of companies. Frew will... Read more >

  • Thomas foods expansion boosts jobs and industry

    Thursday 15 May 2025 by Sheryl Lowe

    THOMAS Foods International has officially opened a major expansion of its Stawell abattoir this week, bringing with it the promise of 100 new local jobs and a near doubling of its lamb processing capacity. Read more >

  • Stawell abattoir expansion boon - The Weekly Advertiser

    Wednesday 14 May 2025 by (Weekly Advertiser)

    Thomas Foods International, who took ownership of Frew Foods in 2023, is expected to almost double lamb production at the site to more than 2.3 million lambs per year.   Rated one of Australia’s best lamb processing facilities, the Stawell abattoir is a key lamb supplier for Woolworths, Aldi and overseas markets, with staff currently processing about 1.5 million sheep each year.  The expansion allows the abattoir to grow its lamb exports across global markets, including China. Works to expand the abattoir include the delivery of a new chiller room with capacity for an additional 2000 carcasses, a larger lamb boning room and new... Read more >

  • Lamb abattoir expansion in regional Victoria

    Wednesday 14 May 2025 by (Food Processing)

    Lamb abattoir expansion in regional Victoria Supported by a Victorian Government investment, Thomas Foods International has expanded its abattoir in Stawell, Victoria.   The expansion is set to almost double lamb production at the facility to more than 2.3 million per year, making Thomas Foods International a leader in Victoria’s lamb market. It will also help the company expand lamb exports across global markets, which include USA.   Works completed as part of the expansion include: a new chiller room with capacity for an extra 2000 carcasses a larger lamb boning room new coldroom storage facilities extra truck loading bays. The expansion also... Read more >

  • Bea-ewe-tiful! Abattoir expansion creates jobs in Stawell | News and articles | Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions

    Tuesday 13 May 2025 by (Victoria State Government)

    Supported by a Victorian Government investment, it’s a big win for workers and regional food production. Already Stawell’s largest employer, the expansion brings another 100 jobs to town, taking the total on-site workforce to 600. It will almost double lamb production at the facility to more than 2.3 million per year, cementing Thomas Foods International as a leader in Victoria's lamb market. It will also help the company expand lamb exports across global markets, The Stawell site is already rated as one of Australia's best lamb processing facilities. The abattoir is a key supplier for Woolworths and Aldi and a major... Read more >