Alliance upgrade Lorneville fellmongery

Alliance Group Ltd commenced operations at their fully redeveloped Lorneville Fellmongery in December. The plant, possibly the biggest in the world, can process a daily kill of 32,000 lamb and sheep. Alliance operate seven livestock processing meat plants within New Zealand with an annual throughput of eight million lamb and sheep and have just completed a major refurbishment at the fellmongery, their largest plant. The pelt house was reconfigured in the late eighties with the installation of ten new processing vessels. This has now been enhanced by the NZ$3 million (US$1.5 million) fellmongery upgrade which features an advanced skin washing and cooling system, in-line dewatering, eight in-line state-of-the-art Italian CM prefleshing machines, and three advanced wool pulling machines. All new machinery has been carefully chosen to maximise production of the highest quality flat pickled skins. The company's philosophy is to reinvest heavily ($27 million in 2002) in their core business to add value and meet or exceed customers' needs. Alliance Lorneville have some of the best quality raw material in New Zealand and their pelts have fetched a premium. This new development will enhance the full market potential of these quality skins, with 100% prefleshing and quality systems from start to finish of the process resulting in a well processed flat skin. In addition to the features of improved pelt and wool recoveries, a reduction in chemical consumption will lessen impact on the environment.