MEATCO

Meatco
Meatco is the largest meat processor in Namibia with abattoirs and beef processing facilities forming the core of the Corporation's business activities. The Corporation has four abattoirs, two of which are approved for export to the European Union (EU) whilst the other two, situated in the northern part of the country are used for the slaughter of animals destined for the South African and other world markets. Meatco also operates a tannery to maximise local value adding of its products.

Background
Situated on the southwestern part of Africa, Namibia, with its young democracy, free-market economy and stable political climate is a country with a difference. Covering an area of 82,4 million hectares, the country is sparsely populated, with an estimated 1,8 million inhabitants. Close on 80% of the country's population is involved in some form of agricultural activity. Although the slaughter and processing of beef for local sales is an integral part of the beef industry, almost 80% of all beef and beef products are exported, making the industry greatly dependent on its foreign markets. Meatco is the key player in the industry and ensures that its viable and internationally accepted operations are major contributors to the country's economy whilst having a stabilising effect on the industry as a whole. The harsh climatic conditions, however, hinder the production of alternative agricultural products.

Naturally Produced
Consumers worldwide are becoming more discerning and are increasingly demanding the assurance that all food products are naturally produced and of the highest health standards. As part of this, they demand that high standards of animal welfare are maintained and that the entire production process is environmentally friendly. In keeping with these demands, Namibia has introduced a nationwide scheme - FANMEAT - which is at the forefront of ensuring that the highest animal welfare standards are maintained and the production of meat products adhere to environment-friendly principles. In essence, Namibian beef can be traced throughout the marketing chain and the production process - from the farm of origin to the consumer.

Veterinary Services
Namibia is able to satisfy all required regulations and in doing so the country's Directorate of Veterinary Services is recognised by the International Veterinary Organisation (IOE) as the single most competent authority in the field of animal and veterinary public health. The Directorate carries out stringent residue control and ensures that all Namibian beef is free of growth hormones and other banned substances.

Technology
Meatco's abattoirs utilise the latest computer technologies - meeting the highest international standards - to monitor traceability, yields, stock and financial controls. The corporation is HACCP and ISO9002 certified and the systems ensure that all necessary precautions are taken to guarantee that the product is safe for human consumption. This is part of the concept of DOING THINGS RIGHT THE FIRST TIME, by shifting the emphasis from end-product testing to a continuous, planned hygiene and quality control system throughout the entire production chain. HACCP is a systematic assessment of all aspects of food safety from raw materials sourcing, processing and distribution and finally to the consumer.

Corporate Social Responsibility
As a responsible corporate citizen of Namibia, Meatco focuses on the agricultural sector as well as other social welfare programmes. The programme includes sponsorships of various activities organised by Farmers Associations countrywide. The bursary scheme for orphans, administered by the University of Namibia; sponsorships in kind to organizations that cater for street children and the aged and practical training for students at the Vocational Training Centre in Windhoek form part of the social welfare programmes supported by Meatco.

Products
Meatco produces chilled, vacuum-packed beef primal cuts to international market requirements. These cuts have a shelf life of six months provided that the cold chain is maintained at a constant and specified minimum temperature. Meatco also produces frozen boneless beef for manufacturing purposes as well as Corned Beef and other Canned Beef Products for export. Excellent administrative and marketing teams support exports through its head office in Windhoek and sales office in the Republic of South Africa and Europe. All Meatco's chilled and frozen beef is highly regarded on the international market for its product reliability as healthy, wholesome, tasty beef trimmed and packaged to high and consistent standards.

Leather
Meatco operates a tannery - Okapuka Tannery - just outside Namibia's capital, Windhoek. In operation since 1983, the tannery processes up to 1000 cattle hides daily. The hides are obtained from its own abattoirs and other private producers countrywide. The hides are fleshed and machine flayed and are put directly into the tanning process without having to be cured in the process between the abattoir and the tannery.

A full spectrum of computer controls is employed to achieve environmentally favourable processing and consistent quality. Cattle hides are exported in Wet Blue or processed on order in Dyed Crust Upholstery Leather, suitable for the furniture and automotive industries.

Thorn bushes and branding can cause natural defects. Therefore, hides of Namibian origin are classified as corrected or heavily corrected grain-type leather.

Splits are finished with the Helcor process into automotive and shoe upper leather of very high quality.