Farmers' union 'looking forward' to open dialogue with Meat Plant management

Conversations to be had as meats board says facility on 'firmer ground'

The Manx National Farmers' Union says it welcomes the proposal mooted by the operators of the Meat Plant for an open meeting with local producers.

The Isle of Man Meat Company recently published a report on progress made since the new Board took over in late September, in which it highlighted a number of key achievements and stated the door is open for dialogue with producers.

MNFU General Secretary, Sarah Comish, told Manx Radio the union looked forward to taking part in an open forum at which issues of mutual interest can be discussed. 

It was in August last year that the Union wrote an open letter to the plant's management making it clear that the consequences of the 'continued mismanagement' of Isle of Man Meats Ltd could no longer be borne by the industry.

In a damning indictment of the the company the union stated that under the stewardship of the Board, the once excellent reputation of Manx meat had all but been destroyed.

Fast forward to today and the new board at the meat company, which took over in late September last year, says the business in now on much firmer ground with a clearer direction and a focus on practical improvements.

Plant efficiency has been improved with fewer breakdowns and a much faster throughput of cattle.

General Manager at the Plant, Michael Barker, says progress made is just the beginning and sales are closer to covering costs, and the door is open for dialogue with producers.

A date for an open meeting with producers is yet to be finalised, but Manx Radio understands it could take place before the end of this month.