Alliance Group

Meat processor Alliance Group plunged into the red in the year ended September, reporting its first operating loss in 20 years.

When it came to building a new venison plant at Alliance Group's Smithfield plant, the timeframe was tight.

Southland-based meat company Alliance Group held a series of supplier roadshows throughout the country last week. Agribusiness reporter Sally Rae attended a roadshow at Pleasant Point, where the company outlined what had been a challenging year, and previewed the coming season.

Alliance Group has announced new procurement policies, involving financial incentives, to "recognise and reward" committed loyal supply by shareholders.

Alliance Group is launching two research trials in a bid to understand the effect on lambs when docking their tails at different lengths.

Construction of a $13 million rendering plant at Alliance Group's Lorneville plant, near Invercargill, has been completed.

Alliance Group director Dawn Sangster has been awarded the Otago Southland branch of the Institute of Directors' 2012 aspiring director award.

Maniototo farmer Dawn Sangster has become the third female director in the history of meat company Alliance Group.

Meat exporter Alliance Group is one of the companies involved in trialling new refrigeration technology that shipping line Maersk expects will cut its annual CO2 emissions by 500,000 tonnes.

A $15 million upgrade of beef processing facilities at the Alliance Group's Mataura plant is the biggest investment at the plant since it was built.