The investment aims to enhance the company's operations, strengthen job security, and reinforce its commitment to the local economy and community.
The investment will be directed towards various areas of the Corowa site, including the piggery and processing facilities.
Key components of the investment program include upgrading pig growing sheds, implementing best practice animal handling systems, enhancing biosecurity measures to mitigate disease risks, improving employee amenities, and upgrading harvest processes.
The infusion of funds is expected to support Rivalea's growth in the production of fresh and value-added pork products, catering to both domestic consumers and key export partners.
Chief Operating Officer of JBS Australia's Pork Division Edison Alvares expressed the company's dedication to the Corowa and Federation Council area.
"Rivalea has been an integral part of the Riverina area for the past 50 years, and the announcement reaffirms our commitment to this community for many years to come," Mr Alvares said.
"Through this $20 million investment program, we aim to enhance the productivity of our operations, thereby bolstering job security for the people of Corowa.
“We look forward to continuing our constructive conversations with the Federation Council to progress the required regulatory processes to move forward with the investment plan.
“Not only is Corowa a fantastic community with great people, but the location within the region gives us access to high quality and reliable water sources, is in close proximity to grain growing regions and links to key transport routes to Sydney and Melbourne.”
Federation Council Mayor Patrick Bourke commended Rivalea's investment, emphasising the company's significance as a major employer in the region.
"Rivalea provides secure and rewarding local jobs and career opportunities for our residents and the broader community," Mayor Bourke said.
“Federation Council encourages responsible business development and expansion, and this investment makes very good business sense, especially with the main aims of employee wellbeing, animal welfare and biosecurity, being at the forefront.
“Rivalea is a significant economic contributor to our region, and we look forward to seeing them continue to invest in our region, to assist in driving the long-term sustainability of our community,” he said.
Currently, the Rivalea Corowa site employs more than 600 individuals and comprises five farms, a processing facility, feed milling operations, as well as research and administration departments. The site has also implemented biogas technology, which captures methane to generate 85 per cent of its farming and processing operations' peak power requirements, while also utilising the nutrients to support crop growth, promoting sustainability.
"We are proud to be at the forefront of sustainable pork production in Australia," Mr. Alvares said. "Rivalea's strong team and track record enable us to build on our foundations and create new opportunities for Australian-grown pork, both domestically and overseas."
JBS Australia, which acquired the Rivalea business in January 2022, has a longstanding commitment to supporting and growing its Australian enterprises. With a workforce of 15,000 individuals throughout Australia and New Zealand, JBS continues to invest heavily in its local operations and domestic brands, playing an active role in bolstering regional economies.
The investment program by Rivalea in Corowa is pending local government regulatory approvals, and the company looks forward to progressing the required processes to proceed with the investment plan.
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