Levin abattoir Alliance Meats million dollar upgrade of rendering plant

Alliance is upgrading its rendering facility in Levin.

One of Levin's largest employers is spending big money on an upgrade.

Alliance Group bosses are planning a $1 million upgrade of a rendering facility at its Levin plant on the corner of Hokio Beach and Hamaria Rds.

General Manager Manufacturing Willie Wiese said it would increase its rendering plant's processing capability by 11 per cent, and included an increased capability to render products from its Dannevirke plant.

Willie Wiese.

Wiese said the investment reflected the co-operative's commitment to the Levin plant, the local community and the region.

The number of staff at Alliance in Levin could reach as many as 400 during peak periods.

The project will include installing a higher pressure stainless steel-rotor in the existing rendering dryer, used to dry renderable material at low pressures, and upgrading the dryer's shell to higher-pressure stainless steel.

Alliance Group chief executive David Surveyor said the upgrade will increase its capacity and generate additional revenue.

Surveyor said the co-operative was focused on developing new ways to add value to speciality ingredients.

David Surveyor.

"Capturing greater market value from our products is a key part of Alliance Group's strategy. We are exploring and developing ways to add value to these materials," he said.

"Once regarded as having little value, these are now recognised as Speciality Ingredients and Materials (SIM), and our global sales team is strongly focused on exploring further ways they can be used, leading to greater carcase utilisation."

"Alliance is one of the world's largest suppliers of wool, pelts, hides, casings, meal and tallow. We also supply speciality materials to a range of sectors, including the pharmaceutical and healthcare industries."

The upgrade to the Levin plant is due to be carried out in June.