Thomas Foods’ plans to build a new abattoir at Murray Bridge have hit a major milestone

More than two years ago Thomas Foods was rocked by the destruction of its Murray Bridge abattoir. Now a new plant is poised to break ground, bringing a jobs boon.

Thomas Foods chief executive Darren Thomas.

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Thomas Foods International hopes to start building its new abattoir at Murray Bridge before the end of the year after receiving planning approval for the massive project.

The new abattoir, which will cost “several hundred million dollars” replaces the one which burned down in January 2018. It is expected to employ 2000 people directly and create another estimated 4500 jobs indirectly.

TFI chief executive Darren Thomas said the project team was currently assessing tenders for the construction of the new plant, 10km out of Murray Bridge, and “we expect to make a decision on awarding the contract in due course’’.

“We expect work on the build to commence in the second half of this year,’’ Mr Thomas said.

“We’re very excited about the new Murray Bridge plant and the range of benefits it will bring to the local community and farmers as well as TFI.”

The plant build will be undertaken in stages with stage one being the beef processing facilities.

Mr Thomas also welcomed an announcement from the Murray Bridge council that it had awarded the construction contract for a 2.2km link road between Mannum Road and the development site.

The council said Downer EDI, in conjunction with a local Murray Bridge company Spry Civil Construction, had been awarded the construction contract for the road project and site works were anticipated to start within days with works to be completed in December.

The project is being supported by $7 million from the Federal Government and $17 million from the state government, which will go towards infrastructure, including roadworks.

Mayor Brenton Lewis said: “Building this infrastructure is an important step in supporting the retention of a significant employer and industry for the region.

“Thomas Foods International is one of our largest employers and they are investing several hundred million dollars in a new state of the art processing facility in Murray Bridge, that will employ about 2000 people once it’s fully operational.’’

TFI turns over about $1.5 billion a year, exporting to 80 countries.