Freezing works to grow

A $4.5 million expansion will soon be under way at PPCS' Pareora freezing works, 14km south of Timaru, creating up to 70 new jobs.

Jim Pringle, chairman of the South Island meat processor, said the expansion would include a new beef slaughter board and a multi-species boning/packing room to cater for increased lamb and mutton processing throughout the year.

Pareora now processes only lamb and mutton, but the new facility will allow it to handle up to 250 cattle a day as well.

"This investment demonstrates PPCS' commitment to the South Island beef industry and in particular the dairy section, which is forecast to continue its recent strong growth," Mr Pringle said.

Angus Chapman, meat and fibre chairman of South Canterbury Federated Farmers, said the expansion was positive news for local farmers and for the region.

The expansion is expected to be finished early next year.

- NZPA