A variety of upgrades continue to be progressed at the Warrnambool plant. The protein plant is on track to be commissioned by the end of May, with the cooking equipment delivered in November and unloaded via crane (pictured here). The new protein plant will provide excellent environmental, energy efficiency and sustainability outcomes. The meat boning room has had new state-of-the-art equipment installed which will minimise waste. Midfield’s Alistair Sharp said the new meat and bone separator would literally perform the task it was named for. “Previously all those bones have gone to the render, with some small amounts of meat still attached. “This machine harvests the meat before it goes to the render, minimising waste and maximising profit. “It’s another example of Midfield maximising use of all elements of the carcass.” The cattle and sheep yards are now utilising new livestock ramps, which are creating a safer work environment for unloading sheep and cattle. Cattle drover Sean Waterson said the ramps had benefits for employees, truck drivers and stock – with a more streamlined unloading of trucks reducing stress for livestock. “On the cattle side of things there is also an automatic reader which means each animal is recorded. This highlights the importance of making sure your cattle are appropriately tagged,” Sean said.
