John Dee upgrades its regional cold store

Construction has begun on the John Dee regional cold store in Warwick, which will upgrade the existing abattoir and reduce operational costs, expand storage capacity and increase product sorting capabilities.

Brisbane-based international project delivery company Wiley will deliver the regional cold store and ASRS (automated storage and retrieval system) facility solution with minimal impact to production.

The project — which was brought to life by funding from the Australian Government’s Building Better Regions Fund — aims to increase flexibility in picking product for orders and handle a high number of product variants with a focus on operational workplace health and safety.

“This expansion will not only protect the 630 existing jobs, it creates 143 new full-time jobs and 138 indirect new full-time jobs,” said Maranoa MP and Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources David Littleproud, who attended the recent sod-turning ceremony. “Securing $4.8 million for this facility will help bolster employment opportunities in our region. Export opportunities from this development will come to about $111 million.”

John Dee has four generations of experience in the beef industry and the investment in this facility will enable the business to continue to support the local community into the future.

The Mayor of Southern Downs Regional Council (SDRC), Tracy Dobie, said, “John Dee is one of the region’s largest employers and its expansion shows great confidence in the future of the local livestock industry. This is a positive step forward as the Southern Downs continues to grow and prosper.”

“Not only does the project boost the economy with local jobs during construction, by an estimated 80 people, but it also provides a valuable asset to the future of the business. We’re looking forward to bringing together local subcontractors and suppliers to assist in delivering the facility upgrade,” said Wiley’s Chief Operating Officer, Robert Barron.

The project is expected to be completed in late 2019.