HK Ruokatalo, the largest processor of Finnish meat, has announced that the first phase of its extensive efficiency and modernisation project at its Forssa production plant is approaching completion. The new €20 million pork slaughtering line, quick carcass refrigeration plant and other facilities will replace the old line dating from 1987. The project is aimed at safeguarding the long-term slaughtering of pork.

The new will line feature state-of-the-art technology and a higher degree of automation, which in turn will reduce laborious, repetitive work stages. The investment will also reduce water and energy consumption. However, on a more negative note, the improved efficiency at the plant, fewer workers will be required and it is estimated that some 68 of the 600 employees at the facility will lose their jobs.

HK Ruokatalo also has a pig slaughterhouse in Mellilä, a beef slaughterhouse in

Outokumpu, and poultry slaughterhouses in Eura and Säkylä. As Finland’s largest processor, it processed 142 million kilogrammes of meat in 2004.