Retailer Countdown enters $54mn deal with Hilton Food to build meat plant
The plant will open in 2020 and will replace Countdown’s existing meat processing facility next door, providing long-term job security and employment for the company’s 300 meat plant team members, according to a press release.
Countdown Managing Director Dave Chambers says last year Countdown sourced 100% of its chicken, pork, and lamb from local New Zealand farmers and 97% of its beef. The partnership with Hilton will future-proof the company’s meat business so it can continue to match the future demands of Kiwi customers.
Countdown’s existing meat plant team will transfer across to the new plant in 2020.
“This partnership with Hilton Food Group will enable us to best respond to increasing customer demand for more innovation and new product development, and continue our commitment to provide high quality, locally sourced meat at affordable prices for New Zealand families,” says Dave Chambers.
“Importantly this is an investment in the long-term future of meat processing in Otahuhu. Meat processing in this area is part of Auckland’s history; we have a large local team and maintaining that employment and connection to the community is really important to us,” says Mr. Chambers.
“We are very pleased to be partnering with Countdown and expanding our packing capability to New Zealand. Production is expected to start in 2020 and the new facility will be capable of supplying Countdown stores with a range of high-quality New Zealand beef, lamb, pork, chicken and added-value products," Robert Watson OBE, Chief Executive of Hilton Food Group, said.
Photo Source: russellstreet/Flickr
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