Kilcoy Global Foods (KGF) is a multi-award-winning global food solutions provider known for premium quality and innovation. In late October 2023, KGF recommenced operations at the Lance Creek beef processing plant in Victoria’s Gippsland region following extensive refurbishments. The facility had been inactive since 2017. Initially processing a few hundred head of cattle per week, the plan was to scale production to approximately 600 head per day during 2024.
This reopening increased much-needed processing capacity in a sector experiencing elevated cattle turnoff due to drought conditions, while also responding to critical labour shortages across Australia’s meat processing industry. KGF commenced with around 60 employees, with a planned workforce expansion toward 300 as production grew. The plant held both domestic and export licences, complementing the company’s Hardwicks operation in Kyneton. Despite the opportunities, major challenges included livestock competition, regulatory compliance, and the complexities of ramping up operations within an existing, ageing facility.
The Challenges
Regulatory and compliance obligations
The facility had previously been shut down for non-compliance. Achieving modern compliance required significant investment in infrastructure upgrades, audits, and certification pathways.
Ageing infrastructure and structural limitations
Existing fire safety infrastructure was minimal and in some cases non-functional. Structural capacity constraints limited where and how new fire protection systems could be installed.
Uncertainty leading to cost and schedule risk
As is common with older facilities, unknowns emerged throughout planning and construction, creating risk for both cost escalation and project delays.
Bloom’s Impact
Enabling reopening through practical solutions
Bloom documented the installation of a temporary wireless manual call point and alarm system throughout the existing facility to achieve compliance while upgrades were underway.
Targeted, fit-for-purpose fire protection
We developed and justified a bespoke fire protection approach that addressed the spatial and structural constraints of both existing and new construction elements.
Collaborative solutions that reduced risk
Bloom worked closely with stakeholders to ensure their operational needs were understood and met. We clearly documented strategies and requirements to reduce uncertainty and minimise unplanned costs or delays.
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