Abattoir looks to benefit from transport revolution

OAKEY Abattoir is one of the businesses looking to benefit from a transport revolution in the region.

OAKEY Abattoir is one of the businesses looking to benefit from a transport revolution in the region.

The Toowoomba Second Range Crossing, Brisbane West Wellcamp Airport and the proposed Brisbane to Melbourne inland rail project could transform the way freight is moved for the business.

Nippon Ham Group Australia general manager Pat Gleeson said freight costs were substantial for the abattoir.

All produce is currently moved by truck as the abattoir has no access to rail.

But rail and air transport could offer new options on the cusp of substantial growth at the business.

Last year the abattoir processed 300,000 head of cattle and by 2018 it plans to increase that total to 570,000 with a seven day operation.

Nippon Ham Group Australia general manager Pat Gleeson says transport costs are a huge factor for his business. . Picture: Andrew Backhouse

"We see a lot of potential to double our business and increase our workforce from 750 people to 1400," Mr Gleeson said.

The abattoir has been working with the Queensland Government to get rail access back to Oakey, upgrade siding points and utilise trains on a weekly basis.

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It is also looking at producing shelf ready products that could be airfreighted directly from Wellcamp Airport.

Mr Gleeson said the Toowoomba Second Range Crossing would benefit businesses right across the region.

Originally published as Abattoir looks to benefit from transport revolution