Kitset abattoir on offer

CHRISTCHURCH - A kitset abattoir designed by a Feilding company could make animal killing clean and hygienic in Third World countries.

Proand Associates, a meat industry consultancy, has designed a modular abattoir the size of two shipping containers to enable animals to be killed, hung, and butchered hygienically.

"We design big meat-processing plants that can cost from $10 million to $100 million," said director Robert Sinclair.

"So we looked at what could be done more simply for poorer countries that couldn't afford the big plants.

"Most of the killing is done in the villages or on the side of the roads, and it's not particularly hygienic."

The project has been supported by Technology New Zealand, which invests in research into new products, processes and services.

"The critical thing was that we were able to price this structure accurately," Mr Sinclair said.

He said waste from the kitset abattoir operation would be collected in storage tanks.

"We recognise that these might not be a big priority in poorer countries," Mr Sinclair said.

"The main opportunities might be in tourist areas, where abattoirs supply hotels and restaurants, and a higher standard of hygiene is required."

Proand Associates' overseas list of business clients include interests in Australia, the United States, Canada, Latin America, Africa, and Saudi Arabia.


-NZPA