The meat plant on the Isle of Man has failed to find a buyer after the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture could not identify a bidder that met all the criteria.
In an attempt to reduce the burden on the taxpayer, the government tried to find a private operator to take over the site. However, declining sales on the island meant last year the plant had to be subsidised to the value of £1.3 m in 2016.
The multi-species abattoir is currently run by a co-operative of local farmers and Isle of Man meats.
The government said it was committed to keeping the plant open, despite the failure to find a new private operator. “The ability to slaughter our own animals and supply local meat to local customers is integral to the success of the industry and the meat plant is a strategic asset we must retain,” said Geoffrey Boot, minister for environment, food and agriculture.
“I want to reassure people that while the tender process did not identify a preferred bidder, the meat plant will remain open for business. The department is now focussed on agreeing an approach that will best serve the industry, the consumer and the public purse.”
