Imlay chief moving on

The manager of Wanganui's biggest non-Government business finishes up his job in a week-and-a-half and will leave town after that. Affco's Imlay meatworks employs up to 680 people at peak times and has been a major force in the district for nearly a century. Shaun O'Neill has been its manager for just over four years and agreed to submit written answers to questions from the Chronicle.

How long have you been at the Imlay plant, and where did you work before that?

"I came to Imlay just over four years ago, with over 25 years experience in the meat industry. I have worked in different plants but was working in Hawke's Bay for the previous 11 years before coming to Wanganui."

What is your job title and what does it consist of?

"My position currently held here is Imlay plant manager, which consists of the day-to-day running of the plant.

"Imlay employs up to around 680 staff during the peak of the season. Actual staff numbers vary depending on available stock for processing. The average stock numbers processed at Imlay are in excess of one million units per season. Due to Imlay's geographic situation there is a large catchment area for stock, which works very well for trucking times to the plant in regards to killing times.

"Imlay slaughters and processes carcasses into cuts, which are then packed and sent to many markets around the world. Also on site there is a rendering plant and a fellmongery to deal with the associated byproducts."

What are the typical seasonal ebbs and flows of work?

"With the meat industry so reliant on livestock there are so many factors that can influence how the season flows. The weather can have such a big bearing, from storms during lambing to droughts, meaning farmers needing to downsize their breeding flocks.

"Also the change to dairying by some farmers just meant less numbers to process.

"So this means that we have to be ready as an industry when the numbers are available to process. This does make it hard to retain staff, but we do make all efforts for this to be achieved."

What have been the high points of your years at Imlay?

"Seeing how important to the local people Imlay is.

"With the plant being a part of Wanganui for 95 years it seems that a lot of families have had some tie up with it over some period of time.

"And being part of the trials that are currently being undertaken at Imlay in regards to meat inspection and also MAF (Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry).

"Depending on the outcome of these trials this will help the industry going forward.

"Also being part of helping set up the Heads Road Industrial Group.

"This is what is required for this group of businesses to make sure they get their voice heard, and for everyone to get an understanding of how important this area is for the local economy.

"Meeting so many different people in Wanganui from all walks of life.

"A great passion of mine is sport and it was great to get to see again afternoon rep rugby, and how proud the locals were in supporting their team. Big provinces have forgotten what this was like."

And the low points?

"Obviously I have had issues with the local council during my time here. I still believe that some of the councillors do not realise the importance of business for the area, also there seems to be such an obsession on wasting so much time dealing on such trivial matters.

"As I have said many times: Business attracts wealth, then once you have wealth you can then spend in other areas.

"In saying that I believe that there has been an improvement with the relationship between the council and business, which I hope will only lead to fostering better partnerships going forward. I believe in part this has been well led by the Annette Main, and also by Allan MacGibbon and their teams.

What are the major changes you have seen during your time?

"During my time here Affco has spend a lot of money upgrading the plant. Also a lot of work has gone into the compliance of the plant so that our neighbours no longer get the issues there were previously."

What's in the future for the business?

"I see the plant has a strong future, which is only good for locals and hopefully stock numbers do increase so that the seasons do improve."

What are you planning to do after you leave?

"I'm returning to Hawke's Bay to continue in the meat industry."

Anything else you would like to say about your time at Imlay and the wider industry situation?

"In my time here in Wanganui I have built up some great friendships and also have met some very interesting people.

"Whether it is over the business table or having a beer I can leave saying while there might have been disagreements over certain issues I have thoroughly enjoyed my time here."