To celebrate the opening of the newly refurbished ABP Perth, members of the agricultural and food industry were invited to a day showcasing the new facility.
Last week's event saw the attendance of 200 visitors at the Perth site. The day consisted of a tour of the abattoir with the new extension and refurbished facilities for staff. With these additions to the site ABP are now targeting to process 1700-1750 cattle through Perth every week.
ABP CEO Bob Carnell described the sites renovation: “We are delighted to have completed the refurbishment and upgrade works here at Perth. This project represents a £24.5m investment and includes a significant extension to the building, a complete upgrade of the refrigeration system, expansion and upgrade of the boning hall with the installation of new pace boning lines and the creation of a maturation park at the rear of the site.
"We have also improved facilities for all colleagues including new changing rooms, amenities, and canteen.
“The investment has also resulted in the creation of 80 new roles here in Perth. This is in addition to the employment of approximately 42 people, while the work was underway.” Mr Carnell continued.
ABP now employs 836 people across three sites in Scotland including Perth, alongside Bridge of Allan and Queenslie. With over 2200 Scottish farming families supplying the sites.
The day concluded with lunch to celebrate the production of Scottish beef and lamb and words from Mr Carnell; ABP Perth general manager Frank Ross and minister for agriculture and connectivity Jim Fairlie.
Jim Fairlie praised the new employee facilities.
“The work put in to upgrade the amenities will only improve staff retention which is so important for the industry. One of my first jobs as a youngster was working here and I didn’t last a week, seeing how much improvement there has been since I was here has been an eye opener.”
Both Mr Carnell and Mr Fairlie highlighted the importance of investing in sustainable Scottish produce.
Mr Carnell stated: “Scotland is one of the most sustainable and reputable places in the world to produce beef and we are proud to be part of that story. We are also proud of our tradition for producing and promoting quality Scotch Beef to the UK retail and food service sectors for more than 40 years.
“On sustainability, with regular rainfall and abundant grazing, Scotland is well placed to take advantage of the climate challenge. We believe a real opportunity exists for the UK to become global leaders in the production of sustainable beef.”
ABP are currently working with 350 farmers including 24 Scottish farmers as part of their Prism 2030 initiative. A programme in conjunction with Harper Adams university to help farmers understand their carbon cycle and identify productivity improvements as well providing participants with professional support.
“Whilst the programme is an ABP initiative our goal is to share our findings with all stakeholders within the wider industry so that real change can happen.”
Mr Fairlie also assured that sustainability in the beef industry would not be focused on reducing herd numbers.
“There has been bad press around the role of cattle in terms of carbon emissions but I can tell you that the Scottish Government is absolutely committed to making sure farming continues. Red meat production is very important, and the beef sector is the real powerhouse.
"If there is any move to cut cattle numbers, I can tell you they will be looking for a new farming minister.”
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