Future of Welsh abattoir and 34 jobs secured

After nearly three months of negotiations, the future of a Welsh abattoir and the jobs of its 34 staff have been secured.

A solicitor acting for the family-run Pembrokeshire Meat Company at Haverfordwest said that following new investment the business has been restructured and renamed as Pembrokeshire Abattoir Ltd.

The new company may now relocate from its existing industrial estate site. Planning permission is being sought for an abattoir to be created on the outskirts of Haverfordwest, on the site of a former garden centre.

The business was first established as a farmer-owned co-operative in 2001 with £100,000 of funding from 60 local farmers, but the past 18 months have been difficult. In March 2013 the abattoir was closed by health officials over concerns that its meat processing procedures were not safe. New systems were put in place and the facility reopened.

Joint administrators were appointed from insolvency firm Duff & Phelps in June. Pembrokeshire Abattoir Ltd has now bought those assets.

The facility will continue to provide slaughtering services to local farms and cutting plants as well as operate a round-the-clock emergency slaughter for casualty animals. A Welsh Assembly contract for the killing of animals afflicted by TB also remains in place.

Aled Owen, of JCP Solicitors, said the restructuring would allow the business to grow.

“Pembrokeshire Abattoir Ltd has restructured with new financial investment, allowing their business to grow which is incredibly important to the local economy,” said Mr Owen, who worked on the deal.

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