Loan to help sheep processor grow exports

• McGowan Government Co-operative Loan Scheme provides $5 million to Katanning sheep meat processor to undertake capital works
• Improvements will create efficiencies and opportunities, generating growth, regional jobs and increase exports 

The McGowan Government's Co-operative Loan Scheme will provide $5 million for capital works at a Katanning processing plant, to expand capacity to process higher value chilled sheep meat.

The loan to the WA Meat Marketing Co-operative (WAMMCO) will enable the farmer-owned business to improve efficiencies and grow its export markets.

Works include the purchase of a Dual Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry (DEXA) machine, and meat meal shaker machines, as well as upgrades to the boning room and electricity supply.

Local contractors will be prioritised to undertake the works, providing a boost for local jobs in Katanning.

More than $90 million of funds have been provided to established WA co-operatives for capital purchases since the Co-operative Loan Scheme's inception in 2004.

Comments attributed to Agriculture and Food Minister Alannah MacTiernan:

"This loan will help WAMMCO remain internationally competitive by adopting new technology and processes that ensure the quality and diversity of its products meet market requirements and customer demand.

"The DEXA machine will be a very valuable asset to provide objective measurement feedback about lean meat, bone and fat content of each carcass to Meat and Livestock Australia and producers to improve sheep production, efficiencies and returns. 

"The upgrades to the boning room will include a new vacuum packing machine to increase capacity and exports of high value WA chilled sheep meat.

"WAMMCO is an important part in the State's livestock industry, which has continued to evolve and respond to the ever changing demands of the global protein market.

"Supporting businesses like WAMMCO means support for jobs and opportunities in our regions."

Minister's office - 6552 6200