During this period a significant focus has been on increasing operational performance across the group's newly acquired facilities. To facilitate this, an extensive capital works program has been undertaken to achieve industry best practice. Significant achievement has been made in these identified focus areas since the program commenced. The initial innovation program strategic plan provided the foundation for sustainable practices and plant performance.
TFI have also extended their innovation programs strategic focus into the area of lamb supply chain management. This resulted in a specific strategy around improving lamb supply and quality. It is envisaged that this initiative will become the foundation for developing strong supply chain relationships to enhance quality, encourage consistency and ensure customers' expectations are met.
The main benefits to Thomas Foods International arising out of CISP in Stage 1 have included:
• Reduction in costs and increased production efficiencies
• Greater confidence in implementing new technologies
• Ability to adapt to a changing business environment
• Becoming a strategic collaborative partner for the MLA/ CRC lamb supply chain group with the appointment of a lamb supply chain coordinator ( Dr Dave Rutley) to develop and implement value chain alignment strategies
The main benefits to Thomas Foods International arising out of CISP in Stage 2 have included:
• Increased producer engagement
• Improved food safety and e-coli management stratagies
• Improved process efficacy through technology and automation
• Improved environmental sustainability
• New product development through new innovative processes
• Ability to confidently evaluate and implement new cutting edge technologies