INGHAM’S TO REBUILD IN SOMERVILLE
13-February-2010
The announcement that Ingham’s Enterprises is going to rebuild its processing plant on the Mornington Peninsula is fantastic news for our local community.
The Somerville plant which processed approximately 120,000 chickens daily was partially destroyed by fire on 11 January.
The day after the Ingham’s fire I wrote to the State Minister for Industry and Trade, the Premier and the CEO of the Mornington Peninsula Shire Council, calling on them to work with all stakeholders and do everything necessary to make sure Ingham’s was rebuilt in Somerville as urgently as possible.
The loss of the plant was a major blow to Ingham’s local workforce of around 700 employees and a further 200 sub-contract drivers. Local chicken farmers and up to another 1,000 people in the district that provided a variety of goods and services to the company have also been seriously affected.
When so many incomes are taken out of our economy, local businesses will inevitably feel the strain.
The plant was the only processor of chicken meat on the Peninsula, for an industry valued at around $350 million a year to the local economy.
While the decision to rebuild is a great outcome for many Ingham’s employees, with more than half remaining employed; more than 300 people no longer have a job.
Ingham’s has committed to substantially increasing its workforce as soon as the plant is rebuilt, however that is likely to be at least 12 months and too long for families to go without an income.
It is vital that our local council and the state and federal governments work together to assist the true victims of the Ingham’s fire.
If you are aware of anyone that needs help because of the Ingham’s fire please let me know on 03 5977 5600.