News & Media: Stawell abattoir expansion boon - The Weekly Advertiser
Stawell abattoir expansion boon - The 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 cold room storage and truck loading bays.
Thomas Foods International chief operating officer Tom Davies said new innovative technology and equipment had been installed that connected all areas of the abattoir to the in-line traceability system. He said the system ensured only top-quality lamb would be used in products and it was expected to increase demand for Australian lamb and mutton.
“Thomas Foods welcomes the completion of this milestone project in what is a key region of our operations,” Mr Davies said.
“We extend our gratitude to the Victorian government for their funding support towards the development of cold storage facilities, which significantly enhances our capacity on site and the creation of local job opportunities.”
New jobs at the Stawell abattoir include managers, labourers, forklift drivers, drovers and maintenance workers.
Member for Western Victoria Jacinta Ermacora said with bigger, better facilities and a strengthened local workforce, the expansion was set to take Victorian products to a wider international market while reinforcing Stawell and the Grampians region as a food processing powerhouse.
“Thomas Foods’ Stawell abattoir plays an important role in Victoria’s vibrant food and fibre sector, and it’s wonderful to see the completion of a project that means more local jobs and more access to the global food market,” she said.
Minister for Regional Victoria Jaclyn Symes said the expansion was supported by the State Government with an undisclosed investment, which was commercial in confidence.
“This important expansion will nearly double Thomas Foods’ production capacity and provide a range of employment opportunities for the people of Stawell and the broader Grampians community,” she said.
More information about the government’s Regional Jobs Fund can be found at rdv.vic.gov.au.
The entire May 14, 2025 edition of The Weekly Advertiser is available online. READ IT HERE!
