270 jobs to be axed as SA abattoir Seven Point Pork set to close

One of the state’s major abattoirs is set to close – with hundreds of people set to lose their jobs.

At least 270 workers are set to lose their jobs when a major abattoir north of Adelaide closes its doors early next year.

JBS Australia, who owns the Seven Point Pork Abattoir at Port Wakefield, announced on Tuesday that it would be ceasing operations indefinitely in January 2026.

The decision came after a key customer, Coles Supermarkets reduced their order.

Pork Division CEO, Edison Alvares said the company would “explore” business opportunities in a bid to recommence operations at the facility, but said the situation there was no longer viable.

“We recognise the impact and concerns this decision has on our valued workforce, their families, and the local community,” he said.

270 jobs are set to be axed in early 2026 at the Seven Point Pork Abattoir, Port Wakefield. Picture: Website

“Due to the significant number of pigs involved, and the unavailability of replacement pigs, the Port Wakefield facility is simply no longer viable as a pork processing facility in the short term.

“This is not a decision that we have made lightly, and we are fully committed to supporting our employees through this process by working with them to explore opportunities for redeployment to other JBS operations in South Australia and interstate.”

Meanwhile, local member for Grey, Tom Venning said he was in crisis talks with JBS in an effort to stave off the imminent closure.

“This is a major blow to our region, the impact will have far reaching impacts,” he said.

At least 270 jobs are set to be axed in early 2026 at the Seven Point Pork Abattoir, Port Wakefield. Picture: Website

“Many families have relocated to the Port Wakefield region to take up employment opportunities at the plant.

“My primary concern is for the workers and ensuring they received all the support required.

“Obviously, when 270 people lose their jobs, it will have a ripple effect across local businesses, schools, sporting clubs, et cetera. This is a major blow for our region.

Mr Venning said he was set to meet JBS officials to discuss and determine the factors that led their decision.

Local member for Narunnga, Fraser Ellis said Tuesday’s announcement would impact many families and workers from the Yorke Peninsula who are employed at the facility.

“This will have a massive impact on a number of communities across my electorate,” he said.

“The near 300 people who work at Port Wakefield travel from towns across Narungga who will now be looking for work.

“There will also be a unique asset sitting there ‘mothballed’. I truly hope another operator can see an opportunity to increase production by acquiring the site.”

A spokesperson for Coles said the supermarket giant was “shifting” some pork processing operations to “other states”, as customer demand continued to grow across Australia.

“We believe this evolution in our pork supply chain will deliver long-term benefits for customers, farmers, and the environment by creating a more streamlined and efficient pork supply chain, as we work to meet the growing demand across Australia,” a spokesperson said.

“South Australia will remain our biggest state supplier of pork – and we want to reassure the community that we are committed to delivering South Australian pork for South Australians – in fact from 2026 we will be expanding on our partnership with Big River Pork in Murray Bridge, SA.”