A Moray abattoir that has been in operation for more than 120 years could close its doors for the final time – putting more than a dozen jobs at risk.
The owner of Rhinds of Elgin, Dunbia, is considering shutting its north-east base as part of a restructuring of the Northern Irish company following a recent takeover.
It is understood that the 17 employees in Moray have been offered pay-offs or relocation packages to move to the firm’s other Scottish base in Ayrshire.
Rhinds is the last abattoir in the region, with the closest one now in Turriff.
Last night, Dunbia – which was taken over by Dawn Meats in September last year – confirmed a consultation has begun with staff about the move.
However, Moray MSP Richard Lochhead has pressed for steps to be taken to find a new operator for the Linkwood Industrial Estate premises to keep the jobs in the area.
He said: “This is a tremendous shame for the 17 people and their families who are being affected by this – as well as the farmers who depend on the facilities.
“Hopefully, with the council owning the site, every effort can be made to retain the facilities pending a new operator being found.
“Not so long ago I remember great excitement about the future of Rhinds of Elgin, so this really is a pity and a big blow if these jobs are lost to Moray.”
When Dunbia bought the slaughterhouse in 2007 they expanded the site from 18 employees to 37. However, the compliment has since reduced again. About 100 cattle are currently killed at the facility every week.
Rhinds of Elgin can trace its origins back to the 1890s, when it traded as John Rhind of Huntly until the 1980s. It moved to its current home in 1994, which was built at a cost of nearly £1million.
It is understood that the closure has been prompted by a drive to increase capacity at the firm’s other locations to keep pace with supermarket demand.
Last night, a spokesman for Dunbia confirmed discussions with employees in Elgin have begun about possible relocations.
He said: “We confirm that have entered into consultation with staff at the small beef and lamb abattoir in Elgin regarding the proposed closure of the site.
“The move comes as part of the company’s overall redevelopment strategy for its operations in Scotland, where it is implementing a multi-million pound investment programme.
“The proposed closure puts 17 staff members at risk of redundancy and the company has offered assistant in relocating staff to take up roles at other Dunbia sites.”
Alan Clarke, chief executive of Quality Meat Scotland (QMS), said: “The potential closure of any abattoir represents a blow to the staff it employs and the community it serves and we are very disappointed to hear the news that the closure of Elgin abattoir is being considered.
“In the meantime QMS will continue to work closely with Dunbia and industry organisations to review the options available.
“Our understanding is that, should the plant close, Dunbia plans to continue to source livestock from the area and steps would be put in place to maintain supply chains with its livestock suppliers.”
