Kyneton-based beef and lamb processer Hardwicks Meats has joined forces with Queensland based billion-dollar global beef processor, Kilcoy Global Foods.
The Foreign Investment Review Board has approved the historic deal that aims to create significant growth opportunities for the brand.
The KGF and Hardwick agreement will see joint managing directors, Luke and James Hardwick, remain with the company during a transition period.
“Our parents Gary and Vikki founded Hardwicks Meats almost 50 years ago and today we are excited to join the Kilcoy Global Foods family,” Luke Hardwick said on Friday.
“We are two complementary businesses, with similar values and goals, uniting under the global KGF banner.
“KGF will facilitate a capital injection to modernise our Kyneton plant leading to increased production, and from that an increase in the local workforce, which is great news for Kyneton and Victoria.
Mr Hardwick said the company was excited to be part of KGF’s $1.5 billion global nature-to-plate food solutions operation that supplied food service and retail customers across Australia, the United States, Asia Pacific and the Middle East.
“It’s an exciting time for our business and together with the senior KGF team, we have been briefing industry and supplier stakeholders, with the highest priority given to the current 400-strong workforce at the Kyneton processing plant, all of whom will be retained,” he said.
KGF president Australian Division, Jiah Falcke, said KGF identified Hardwicks as an ideal partner for its existing operations in Australia and overseas, due to its offer of high-quality products, service excellence and established national and export markets.
“KGF enjoys a strong relationship with its workforce and we will work with Luke and James and their management team to ensure a smooth transition across all levels of the business,” Mr Falcke said.
Mr Falcke confirmed KGF had no immediate plans to change the Hardwick name, with similar subsidiaries across the world continuing to operate under founding names.
“Like KGF, Hardwicks is instantly recognisable and highly respected both by producers and customers who equally stand to benefit from the new partnership. We’ve reinforced that all jobs will be maintained and we’ll look to employ more staff as we expand.
Hardwick’s commitment to existing local community partnerships will also continue,” Mr Falcke said.
KGF exports to more than 35 global markets and its vision was to expand into value added processing, with meal solution products across both retail and food service channels.
KGF has operations in Australia, the United States and China with its global headquarters located on the Sunshine Coast in Queensland.
Hardwicks Meats Kyneton employs about 400 people and KGF plans to retain all Hardwicks staff.
The Hardwicks family will continue to own and run their retail business, Hardwicks of Kyneton on Mollison Street and are pleased to remain active members of the local community.
