MEDIA RELEASE
12 February 2010
INGHAMS TO REBUILD SOMERVILLE FACTORY
The National Union of Workers’ campaign to encourage Inghams Enterprises’ to rebuild
its fire ravaged Somerville factory has been successful.
NUW Victorian Secretary Antony Thow said the company and the State Government
informed the union today that work to rebuild the factory would commence immediately.
“This is a great outcome for NUW members, their families and the local community,” Mr
Thow said.
“The unity, strength and dedication of the Inghams workers has been rewarded.”
Mr Thow said the NUW worked tirelessly to save jobs.
“The factory will be on a fast-track rebuild that may take less than 12 months and we’re
delighted Inghams is maintaining 350 full-time jobs during this time,” Mr Thow said.
“Over this period, Inghams workers may be required to work at other chicken processing
plants and also undertake additional training.”
Mr Thow said some workers would be made redundant, however, the NUW was pleased
they would have the opportunity to re-apply for their positions when the factory
reopened.
“This is a good news story: nobody was injured or killed in the fire, 350 workers will
continue to have full-time jobs and hundreds more will have the opportunity to work in a
brand new environmentally friendly facility early next year.”
Mr Thow said the union worked very closely with Inghams Enterprises’ and thanked
them for delivering the best outcome for workers in difficult circumstances.
“A personal and unique DVD message made by workers for Bob Ingham must have
worked. Our members are certainly saying Bob Ingham – we love him!” Mr Thow said.
Mr Thow thanked the unique coalition of Inghams, the Brumby Government, the
Mornington Peninsula Shire and the Victorian Farmers Federation for delivering a great
result for NUW members and the local community.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT BRENT HOOLEY 0434 561 033
NEWS 
