Rod and Shana Russell have completed a buyout of Russell and Lee family members in Western Meat Packers Group’s Margaret River abattoir, meaning the couple now have 100 per cent ownership of all assets of Western Meat Packers Group, which employs 360 people and has an annual turnover of about $150 million. Announcing the substantial commitment and successful buyout, WMPG CEO Andrew Fuda said such a positive investment by the founders of the business, which began in 1983, signalled an exciting stage in the beef company’s future.
With a five day a week throughput of about 400 cattle a day and some relief in sight in terms of cattle supply, the Margaret River facility, located on a 100 hectare site and employing 100 people, is implementing significant chiller capacity upgrades and other fitouts to accommodate developing export market prospects.
“Although we currently send all beef, typically sides and quarters, overnight to WMPG’s Osborne Park boning and packing facility to ensure rapid turnaround from paddock to plate, we’re moving towards boning and packing at our Margaret River plant to optimise expanding business opportunities in Asia in particular,” Mr Fuda said.
