New Southland slink plant to process dead lambs and cows

Slink lamb processing. Photo / Supplied

About 50 seasonal jobs are expected to return to Mataura following news a slink skin operation will restart in the eastern Southland town.

Nationwide coproducts business Wallace Group announced yesterday it would set up shop in the former Slinkskins Ltd's plant in Mataura which last year was closed.

Slinkskins Ltd previously picked up and processed "slinks'' (dead lambs), dead cows or calves.

Last year Southland company Slinkskins Ltd said the prices the company could achieve from selling calfskins were below what it could produce them for.

It prompted the Mataura plant to be mothballed and the loss of jobs.

Wallace Group chief executive officer Graham Shortland. Photo / Supplied

However, Wallace Group chief executive officer Graham Shortland believed its nationwide network would help ensure a venture into the Southland market would be viable.

Wallace Group picks up about half a million slink lambs annually in the South Island and around 40,000-50,000 in the North Island.

"The recycling of coproducts from the agricultural sector performs a valuable service for farmers and processors as well as protecting the natural environment from the impact of dead stock,'' Mr Shortland said.

"It's also good news for the local economy as around two dozen contractors are required for slink lamb and calf collection, along with about 30 staff for processing.''

Wallace Group Christchurch tannery business general manager Bernie Lynskey suggested community groups acollectiing slink lambs and calves as a fundraiser could benefit financially from the group's venture into eastern Southland.