DEFA Minister appointed chair of Meat Plant

Environment, Food and Agriculture Minister Clare Barber has taken up the role as chair of the Island's Meat Plant - following a report that highlighted 'major challenges'.

In a statement released this week - government says although the audit found the factory is 'well equipped' - some major challenges must be addressed. 

The report in question found a need to review and improve the sales model, increase the throughput of the plant through operational efficiencies and to improve training for employees.
 
It also highlighted a lack of management and financial information and a need to review compliance and governance of the plant.

Now, Mrs Barber has been appointed chair while a 'turnaround plan' is developed.

Graham Crowe, a lifelong farmer, had been acting as Interim Chair since January and will remain on the Board.

Other changes have seen the Plant’s Manager resign his role and four new non-executive directors appointed to help find solutions as quickly as possible.

Minister Barber said: ‘A functioning meat plant performs a pivotal role at the centre of both Manx agriculture and the Island’s strategic food security policy, so I welcome the report and look forward to addressing the challenges with the board. I would like to thank Graham for stepping in to help over the last 10 months, during which this audit took place.’

'Work on the turnaround plan has already started and the search for a new plant manager and permanent chair is also underway. Further resources have also been provided to help the plant address some of the major issues around compliance and security.'

The report can be viewed here.