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Business

Murray Bridge abattoir opens its doors five years after fire, starts search for workers

Thomas Foods International is looking for hundreds of employees to staff its rebuilt meat processing facility.  (Supplied: Thomas Foods International)

Thomas Foods International is looking for hundreds of employees for its recently opened abattoir, five years after a fire tore through the previous facility at Murray Bridge.

The fire destroyed the previous abattoir in 2018, which at the time was one of the largest meat processing facilities in South Australia. 

Thomas Foods International chief executive Anthony Stewart said the company would starting processing animals again and needed staff to do it. 

"What we've done over the course of the last five years is making sure what we're doing is the right thing and setting the organisation up for the years and decades ahead," he said. 

"We've only got 30 people who will be hard at work today and we'd like to build up to that 350 as quick as possible."

Those 350 employees are part of the first stage of the abattoir's reopening, with more jobs expected in the future. 

Workers will spend the next few days testing equipment at the new plant. (Supplied: Thomas Foods International)

Among the few workers there at the moment is head chef Alex Thompson, who has been preparing to feed the growing workforce. 

"Over recent weeks I've been preparing a menu that reflects the diverse workforce we'll have here," he said. 

"The whole facility is amazing and I'm really excited to get cooking."

Mr Thomas says he is preparing a diverse menu for the hundreds of workers Thomas Foods International is looking to recruit.   (Supplied: Thomas Foods International)

Mr Stewart said workers would spend the next few days testing equipment, but production would eventually ramp up to 600 head of cattle a day.

He said the company was hiring in a wide range of areas such as slaughtering, boning, packaging, maintenance and IT. 

"This is an ideal time for anyone looking to kickstart or further their career in the growing global food industry," Mr Stewart said.

"Whether you are experienced or completely new to the industry, we're keen to hear from you."

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