The St Merryn Foods meat processing plant in Merthyr Tydfil is to receive £1.2m support via the Single Investment Fund (SIF) from the Assembly Government towards processing equipment which will improve the efficiency of the plant.
The investment will enable the plant to stay at the forefront of meat processing technology in Wales.
The Minister for Rural Affairs and Plaid Cymru AM for Ceredigion, Elin Jones (pictured), said:
“Welsh red meat abattoirs and processing plants play an important role in delivering a profitable and sustainable Welsh red meat industry and this grant will play an important role in achieving that.
“The Welsh Assembly Government seeks to support food producers, food processing and agri-food businesses in Wales. Our aim is also to increase income and employment as well as support the agricultural industry adapt to future demands.”
The Merthyr plant, which employs 977 employees, slaughters and processes beef and lamb into pre-packed products for supermarkets, particularly for Tesco, which provides 90% of the site’s revenue.
Plaid Cymru leader Ieuan Wyn Jones AM, who is also Deputy First Minister and Minister for the Economy & Transport, said that St Merryn was an extremely important local employer making a significant contribution to the local economy. Mr Jones said;
“In these challenging trading conditions all businesses need to ensure they are operating as efficiently and effectively as possible and the Assembly Government’s Single Investment Fund can support these activities to ensure businesses in Wales remain competitive and that jobs are safeguarded.”
St Merryn has earned its position as a leading supplier for Tesco because of its ability to meet extremely high levels of quality, efficiency and cost effectiveness demanded by the customers.
Ian Woods, Finance Director of VION UK Red Meat Business Unit, adds:
“This investment is the biggest single project in any of the VION UK Red Meat Business Unit processing facilities, since the initial construction of the Merthyr Tydfil site. It will increase the efficiency of the plant, engaging proven technology to reduce cost and maintain the business’ competitive position with its customers. This investment could not have taken place without the substantial support of the Welsh Assembly Government.”
The Single Investment Fund provides financial support for businesses undertaking new projects in Wales. SIF is flexible and can be tailored to the particular needs of a business at any stage in their development.
St Merryn Foods was part of Grampian Country Food Group until August 2008 when it was acquired by VION Foods NV, a Dutch based food Group. The Group employs some 35,500 people worldwide and has a turnover of €8,500 million and shareholder funds of €781 million at December 2008.
