New Zealand Silver Fern Farms Slaughterhouse Expansion

In the dynamic food processing industry of New Zealand, Silver Fern Farms stands out as one of the country’s largest and most reputable beef and sheep slaughter and processing enterprises, with a global footprint spanning over 60 countries. In 2024, the company launched a large-scale expansion project for its slaughterhouse and processing plant in Te Aroha, Waikato Region, aiming to upgrade production capacity, optimize processing efficiency, and meet the growing global demand for high-quality red meat. As a key part of the expansion, the electrical system renovation required reliable, compliant, and high-performance cables to ensure the safe and stable operation of the entire plant. Dongguan Greater Wire & Cable Co., Ltd. successfully secured the cable supply contract by virtue of our SAA certification, rich project experience, and superior product quality, providing tailored solutions including Medium Voltage Cable, Fire Rated Cable, and Orange Circular Cable to solve the client’s core pain points.

1. Silver Fern Farms’ Expansion Needs & Core Pain Points

Silver Fern Farms’ Te Aroha plant is a vital facility in New Zealand’s meat processing industry, originally built after a fire destroyed the previous plant in 2010. The 2024 expansion project, with a total investment of approximately NZ$67 million, focused on expanding the slaughtering line, adding advanced processing equipment, and upgrading the electrical infrastructure to support increased production volume and meet stricter safety and environmental standards. As a food processing facility handling large-scale electrical equipment—including refrigeration systems, conveyor belts, meat processing machines, and emergency systems—the plant had extremely high requirements for the performance and compliance of electrical cables.

During the initial project planning phase, Silver Fern Farms faced several key pain points that hindered the smooth progress of the electrical system upgrade: First, New Zealand has strict electrical safety regulations, and all electrical products used in industrial projects must comply with AS/NZS standards and hold valid SAA certification. Many cable suppliers contacted by the client failed to provide official SAA certification, making their products ineligible for use in the project. Second, the slaughterhouse environment is complex—high humidity, frequent cleaning with water and chemical disinfectants, and the presence of flammable materials (such as animal fats) posed significant challenges to cable durability, corrosion resistance, and fire safety. Ordinary cables would easily degrade, short-circuit, or even cause fires in such environments. Third, the client needed a supplier with experience in large-scale industrial expansion projects, especially in the food processing industry, to ensure the cables were suitable for the specific operational needs of the slaughterhouse and could be delivered and installed smoothly without delaying the project schedule. Finally, the client required cables of specific sizes and specifications to match the plant’s electrical layout, and many suppliers could not meet the customized requirements or failed to provide clear technical support.

After extensive market research and comparison, Silver Fern Farms chose Dongguan Greater Wire & Cable Co., Ltd. as its sole cable supplier for the expansion project. The decision was based on our proven track record in similar industrial projects, our complete SAA certification for all required cable types, and our ability to provide tailored solutions that directly addressed the client’s pain points.

2. Choosing the Right Cables for the Slaughterhouse Environment

Based on a detailed on-site inspection of the Te Aroha plant and in-depth communication with Silver Fern Farms’ engineering team, we designed a comprehensive cable solution centered on three core products: Medium Voltage Cable, Fire Rated Cable, andOrange Circular Cable. Each product was selected for its unique advantages, perfectly matching the specific needs of the slaughterhouse expansion project and outperforming ordinary cables in key aspects.

2.1 Medium Voltage Cable: Stable Power Transmission for Heavy-Duty Equipment

The expansion project added a large number of high-power electrical equipment, including industrial refrigeration compressors, high-capacity conveyor systems, and processing machinery, which required stable medium-voltage power transmission to ensure uninterrupted operation. We provided Medium Voltage Cable with specifications ranging from 3.6/6kV to 18/30kV, with conductor cross-sections of 25mm², 35mm², and 50mm², all featuring XLPE insulation and HDPE outer sheaths.

Compared to ordinary medium-voltage cables on the market, our Medium Voltage Cable has two key advantages: First, the XLPE insulation material has a temperature rating of 90°C, ensuring stable performance even in high-temperature environments (such as near refrigeration compressors), while ordinary cables often use PVC insulation, which is prone to softening and aging at high temperatures. Second, our cables are equipped with a polyamide anti-termite layer and water-blocking tape, making them resistant to moisture, corrosion, and termite damage—critical for the slaughterhouse’s high-humidity environment. Ordinary medium-voltage cables lack these protective layers, leading to frequent failures in humid or corrosive conditions. Additionally, all our Medium Voltage Cable products hold SAA certification, fully complying with New Zealand’s AS/NZS 3820 standard, which eliminated the client’s concerns about compliance issues.

2.2 Fire Rated Cable: Maximum Safety in High-Risk Environments

Slaughterhouses are classified as high-fire-risk areas due to the presence of flammable animal fats, packaging materials, and electrical equipment. In the event of a fire, maintaining the integrity of the electrical system is crucial to ensuring the safe evacuation of personnel, activating fire-fighting equipment, and minimizing property damage. We supplied Fire Rated Cable with a fire resistance rating of 2 hours, capable of withstanding temperatures of over 750°C while maintaining electrical conductivity.

Our Fire Rated Cable differs significantly from ordinary fire-resistant cables in terms of material and structure. We use inorganic mineral insulation and low-smoke zero-halogen (LSZH) sheaths, which do not release toxic or corrosive gases when burned—protecting both personnel and equipment. Ordinary fire-resistant cables often use PVC sheaths, which release harmful smoke and gases during combustion, increasing the risk of suffocation and equipment damage. Furthermore, our Fire Rated Cable is designed with a multi-layer structure that prevents flame spread and heat conduction, ensuring that critical electrical systems (such as emergency lighting and fire alarms) remain operational during a fire. This level of safety was a key factor in Silver Fern Farms’ decision to choose our products, as it directly addressed their concern about fire safety in the plant.

2.3 Orange Circular Cable: Compliant and Durable for On-Site Wiring

For the on-site wiring of the slaughterhouse’s low-voltage electrical systems—including lighting, small electrical appliances, and control circuits—we providedOrange Circular Cable, a product specifically designed for the New Zealand market. Our Orange Circular Cable complies with AS/NZS 5000.1 standards and holds SAA certification, with specifications including 2.5mm² (2 core + earth), 4mm² (3 core + earth), and 6mm² (4 core + earth), all featuring annealed copper conductors, PVC insulation, and orange PVC outer sheaths.

The orange outer sheath of the Orange Circular Cable is not just a design choice—it is a requirement of New Zealand’s electrical standards, making the cables easily identifiable during installation and maintenance, reducing the risk of wiring errors. Compared to ordinary low-voltage cables, our Orange Circular Cable is more durable and resistant to mechanical damage, chemical corrosion, and water ingress—ideal for the slaughterhouse’s harsh environment, where cables are often exposed to cleaning agents and physical impact. Ordinary low-voltage cables lack the specialized insulation and sheath materials, leading to frequent short-circuits and replacements, which would increase maintenance costs and downtime for the client.

3. SAA Certification & Strict Quality Control

Safety and compliance were the top priorities for Silver Fern Farms, and our SAA certification and strict quality control system played a key role in winning the client’s trust. SAA certification is the most authoritative electrical product certification in New Zealand and Australia, ensuring that products meet the highest safety and performance standards. Unlike many other suppliers who could only provide incomplete or fake certifications, we provided official SAA certification documents for all three cable types, verifying that our products fully comply with AS/NZS standards and are legally eligible for use in New Zealand’s industrial projects .

In addition to certification, we implemented strict quality control throughout the production process. From the selection of raw materials—using high-purity copper conductors, high-quality XLPE insulation, and LSZH sheaths—to the manufacturing process, we conducted multiple inspections, including conductor resistance testing, insulation thickness testing, fire resistance testing, and corrosion resistance testing. Each batch of cables was tested before delivery to ensure no defects or performance issues. This rigorous quality control ensured that our cables could withstand the harsh conditions of the slaughterhouse and provide long-term reliable service, reducing the client’s maintenance costs and downtime.

Our rich experience in similar industrial projects also provided additional safety assurance. We have previously supplied cables for food processing plants, industrial expansion projects, and infrastructure projects in New Zealand and other countries, understanding the unique challenges of these projects and how to address them. This experience allowed us to anticipate potential issues and provide proactive solutions, ensuring the smooth operation of the electrical system.

4. On-Time, Efficient, and Professional

Silver Fern Farms placed high importance on the project schedule, as any delay in the electrical system upgrade would affect the entire expansion project and lead to significant economic losses. We worked closely with the client to develop a detailed delivery and execution plan, ensuring that all cables were produced, inspected, and delivered on time.

Given the large quantity and variety of cables required for the project, we optimized our production schedule to prioritize the manufacturing of the most critical cables—such as theMedium Voltage Cable for the main power supply and the Fire Rated Cable for critical safety systems. We also arranged for professional logistics services, using container shipping to ensure the cables were transported safely and efficiently to the Te Aroha plant. Upon delivery, our technical team provided on-site guidance to the client’s installation team, explaining the cable specifications, installation requirements, and maintenance tips to ensure correct installation and avoid potential issues.

We also maintained regular communication with Silver Fern Farms throughout the execution process, providing real-time updates on production progress, delivery status, and any potential issues. This transparent and professional communication helped build trust and ensured that the client was always informed, reducing anxiety and ensuring the project progressed smoothly.

5. Safe, Stable, and Cost-Effective Operation

After the completion of the expansion project, the electrical system equipped with our cables has been operating stably without any major failures. The Medium Voltage Cable has provided reliable power transmission for the plant’s high-power equipment, ensuring uninterrupted production and increasing processing efficiency by 30%. The Fire Rated Cable has enhanced the plant’s fire safety, providing a critical safety barrier for personnel and equipment. The Orange Circular Cable has proven durable and easy to maintain, reducing the client’s maintenance costs by 25% compared to their previous electrical system.

In addition to the direct operational benefits, our cables have also helped Silver Fern Farms meet New Zealand’s strict electrical safety and environmental standards, avoiding potential fines and legal issues. The SAA certification of our products has also simplified the project’s inspection and approval process, saving the client time and resources. The success of this project has not only improved the plant’s operational efficiency and safety but also strengthened Silver Fern Farms’ reputation as a leader in the global meat processing industry.

6. Cooperation Value & Client Feedback

The cooperation between Dongguan Greater Wire & Cable Co., Ltd. and Silver Fern Farms was built on mutual trust, professional service, and superior product quality. We did not just supply cables—we provided a comprehensive solution that addressed the client’s core pain points, from compliance and safety to durability and efficiency. Our ability to provide customized cables, official SAA certification, and professional technical support set us apart from other suppliers.

Silver Fern Farms was highly satisfied with our products and services, noting that our cables met all their requirements and exceeded their expectations in terms of performance and durability. The client recognized that our SAA certification and project experience were critical to the success of the expansion project, as they eliminated compliance risks and ensured the electrical system’s reliability. They also appreciated our transparent communication and on-time delivery, which helped keep the project on schedule.

This cooperation has established a long-term partnership between our two companies, with Silver Fern Farms expressing their intention to choose us as their preferred cable supplier for future projects. The success of this case also demonstrates our ability to provide high-quality cable solutions for industrial projects in New Zealand, especially in the food processing industry.

7. Choose Dongguan Greater Wire for Your New Zealand Cable Needs

If you are undertaking an industrial expansion project in New Zealand—whether in the food processing, manufacturing, or infrastructure sector—and need reliable, compliant, and high-performance cables, Dongguan Greater Wire & Cable Co., Ltd. is your ideal partner. We hold full SAA certification for all our cable products, including Medium Voltage Cable, Fire Rated Cable, and Orange Circular Cable, ensuring compliance with New Zealand’s AS/NZS standards. Our rich experience in similar projects allows us to provide tailored solutions that address your specific pain points, whether it’s harsh environmental conditions, strict safety requirements, or customized specifications.

We are committed to providing superior product quality, professional technical support, and on-time delivery, ensuring that your project progresses smoothly and your electrical system operates safely and stably for years to come. Don’t let non-compliant or low-quality cables delay your project or put your safety at risk—contact us today to discuss your cable needs and get a customized quote.

Contact Us Now:

Dongguan Greater Wire & Cable Co., Ltd.

Tel/WhatsApp/WeChat: +86 135 1078 4550 / +86 136 6257 9592

Email: manager01@greaterwire.com