MARKET challenges are behind JBS Australia’s decision to scale back its production of lamb and mutton at its Brooklyn, Melbourne and Bordertown, SA, processing plants.
JBS director John Berry confirmed to Stock & Land that management’s decision to stop a second shift at both plants would impact 200 staff at the Brooklyn site and 60 at Bordertown.
Mr Berry clarified the impacted staff were being stood down not sacked and said it was due to domestic and international market challenges.
He said JBS was not the only plant being affected by problems in the marketplace, including difficulties moving product and the rising cost of mutton.
The decision by JBS to slow production at Brooklyn and Bordertown will have no effect on its small stock production plants at Cobram or Longford in Tasmania, according to Mr Berry.