JBS has assured Huon’s 850 workers their jobs are safe

Global meat giant turned Tasmanian fish farmer assured Huon Aquaculture’s 850 workers their jobs are safe as the takeover is complete. LATEST >>

BRAZILIAN meat giant JBS is now the official 100 per cent owner of Tasmanian fish farmer Huon Aquaculture and it has assured all workers their jobs are safe.

JBS has now paid $3.725 per Huon share to seal the deal.

JBS Australia CEO Brent Eastwood has spent the last week touring Huon’s Tasmanian facilities and said the focus was now on using its global contacts to open up new export markets.

The company said it was looking forward to working with all of Huon’s 850 employees to strengthen the business and identify new growth opportunities.

“Huon is a fantastic business with strong capability and expertise, supported by quality assets and operations. I have toured Huon’s facilities and am truly in awe of the skills and expertise that Huon employees possess,” Mr Eastwood said.

“JBS, through its strong and extensive domestic and global customer base, processing capabilities and global sales and marketing efforts will strengthen Huon for the benefit of all staff, their families and the broader Tasmanian economy.”

JBS Australia CEO Brent Eastwood in Hobart. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

“JBS has appointed Philip Wiese to the position of CEO. Phil has been with Huon for nearly 14 years and is an expert in how to manage and operate the business. Phil is a safe pair of hands that we have total confidence in, to steer Huon through this next chapter alongside JBS.”

Mr Wiese said JBS had a proven track record in investing and growing Australian businesses. “We know JBS sees Huon as a long-term investment and will bring its ideas, market contacts and investment prowess to Tasmania for the benefit of so many,” he said.

“Having spent the last week with Brent and the JBS team, I have total confidence in the positive trajectory of Huon and what we can achieve together. There is a positive buzz and enthusiasm amongst the Huon workforce this week, who are really excited about JBS coming on board.”

JBS has reassured all Huon staff that their jobs are safe.

“It is very much ‘business as usual’ as Huon enters the busy summer farming season,” Mr Eastwood said.

Huon Aquaculture worker

While questions have been asked about JBS’ animal welfare practices and environmental record, the company said it would “work with the local team to integrate Huon into the global JBS sustainability strategy.”

“This includes committing to net-zero by 2040 and having an uncompromising commitment to social responsibility, animal welfare, people safety and environmental sustainability,” Mr Eastwood said.

“Understandably, Tasmania has some of the most stringent environmental licence and regulatory standards in the world and we are committed to adhering to these standards.”