The man responsible for closing down the under-performing
King
Island
abattoir of JBS Australia has been promoted by the Brazilian multinational.
As shattered retrenched workers met with Federal government support officers on the tiny Tasmanian island this week, the world's largest meat processor announced its Australian CEO Andre Nogueira would be returning to the company's North American headquarters to head up its
US
operations.
With a background in corporate financial banking, Mr Nogueira joined as JBS Australia's head in February before promptly shutting three sites in its southern division - an abattoir at Yarrawonga in northern
Victoria
, a feedlot at Yambinya in southern NSW and now the
King
Island
facility.
The writing was on the wall when Iain Mars was called back to Barracks a few months ago, not for a promotion as was widely reported in the press but no he is joining an Irish joint venture far removed from JBS.
While indeed a charming man who came through the Vestey trainee manager scheme, he was never hewn from timber strong enough to run an operation of the size of JBS in
Australia
.
In April, JBS Australia shut its
Prime
City
feedlot at Tabbita near Griffith, NSW, which had 63 employees and downsized its nearby Riverina Beef at Yanco, which employed 95 people. Mr Nogueira's replacement has been announced as Brent Eastwood, who has been head of the company's northern division since February.
The last thing a meat company wants to do is close down feedlots that are supplying raw material for your plants, the only reason to do so is cash shortage or lack of management judgement. If a dairy farmers is having a hard time he doesn’t plough up his pastures.
The promotions within the company come as families on
King
Island
contemplate an uncertain future.
Federal Member for Braddon Sid Sidebottom said the closure of the plant would have a significant impact on workers and their families.
"There are limited employment opportunities on
King
Island
so we want to make sure workers know the Federal Government is here to support them," Mr Sidebottom said. "Our priority is to help those affected get back into work as soon as possible and support them while they look for another job."
Source: farmonline.com.au
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