North Otago's two major meat processing plants are working flat out.
Alliance Group Pukeuri plant manager Phil Shuker said the site just north of Oamaru was operating three chains, processing both beef and sheep.
''Lamb is continuing to come through strongly, with the plant having just completed a very busy period processing chilled Christmas orders for the important United Kingdom market.
''Approximately 1000 people are currently employed at the plant - approximately 90% in processing and the remainder in the trade side of the operations.
''However, we are still actively recruiting with 80 positions still available, which we hope to fill by early next year.