JBS Australia has commenced the second shift at its Dinmore processing facility. Following its $77 million upgrade, the site has welcomed more than 300 new team members, with the dual-shift system expected to double Dinmore’s daily processing capacity.
JBS invested $77 million in the Dinmore plant upgrade across technology and capital works to improve safety and increase capacity and productivity, allowing the plant to implement a ‘second shift’, increasing daily processing levels, and requiring an additional 500 team members to fill the roles.
Following a recruitment drive that commenced last year and is ongoing, 80 per cent of Dinmore’s newly recruited staff are local Queensland residents.
JBS said the Dinmore facility celebrates its diverse culture of more than 47 nationalities, and will also welcome more Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) and international workers this year.
JBS Australia CEO Brent Eastwood said the company was pleased to commence a second shift as it continues to expand its operations responsibly and sustainably.
“We have added more than 300 new roles to Dinmore and have been encouraged by the diversity of our applicants from school-leavers to career switchers, and those seeking additional earning opportunities, and of course our valued PALM workers.
“Our investments in the Dinmore Meat Processing Plant underscore our commitment not only to produce superior quality beef products but also to generate meaningful employment opportunities and contribute to the fabric of the local economy,” said Eastwood.
JBS Dinmore plant manager Murray Wilson said he was excited to welcome a diverse team with a vast range of skillsets to facilitate the second shift.
“We have many new faces joining Dinmore, with each recruit bringing unique skills and capabilities to our growing team. We have onboarded electricians, maintenance supervisors, butchers, slicers and all roles in between to create a team that boosts our production capacity safely and efficiently,” said Wilson.
Australian Meat Processor Corporation CEO Chris Taylor, said the JBS recruitment drive showed the significant opportunities in the red meat processing industry.
“The JBS Dinmore facility is an exciting example of the number of jobs being created in red meat processing, like labourers, electricians and engineers, adding to the 47,500 jobs in Queensland supported by the industry.
“Our members are proud to contribute $2.2 billion to household income in Queensland annually, and by increasing processing capacity in Dinmore, JBS will increase economic activity across the supply chain, from farmers to technology providers,” said Taylor.
The new operational timeline introduces a four-day roster that is designed to optimise work-life balance for the team, while maintaining high levels of productivity.
Employees will now be rostered across a day shift and an afternoon shift, allowing for a seamless continuation of operations and the assurance of a consistent supply to meet demand for high-quality red meat products.
JBS anticipates a gradual ramp-up of production over the next 4-5 months, dependent on the variables of labour availability and cattle supply. JBS said the phased approach would ensure optimal efficiency and quality control across Dinmore’s operations.
