Boosting Regional Capability Through Long Term Partnership and Innovation

Employing dozens of subcontractors from the region, this milestone is shared with the local teams who have helped bring this infrastructure to life – strengthening local capability and advancing processing operations.

This project builds on our 12‑year partnership with Teys, a relationship defined by our deep understanding of their operational requirements and commitment to delivering future‑proofed assets within live environments.

The highly specialised capability BESIX Watpac brings to the food processing sector has been demonstrated on numerous levels throughout the delivery of this project.

This includes maintaining full operational continuity at one of Australia’s largest beef processing facilities, accessed through a single main entrance that connects directly to an arterial road in Rockhampton.

BESIX Watpac CEO Mark Baker said: “Our team thrives in environments that call on their highly specialised capability – both in advanced technology and in the careful management required within operational facilities. The result is a cutting‑edge facility delivered with zero interruptions to Teys’ heavy vehicular traffic zones, and no impact on day‑to‑day processing.”

“This outcome reflects meticulous planning and strong collaboration with the Teys team.”

“Moreover, being able to engage a local workforce and build capability within the region is another example of our commitment to strengthening the communities in which we work.”

World-leading technology advancements

The project introduces major technological innovation. At the heart of the facility are the world’s largest and first MSO‑designed plate freezers.

MSO (Multi Select Opening) technology – developed by MHM Automation through more than 25 years of industry R&D and engagement – enables the system to adapt to inconsistencies in packaging height, significantly improving flexibility and efficiency for high‑volume processing environments.

Delivering this capability required a significant evolution to the building design, including a 1.5 metre increase in overall height, bringing the building to 21 metres tall.

The plate freezers will be supported by one of the largest low‑stage ammonia vessels ever integrated into a facility of this scale. Procured overseas and designed to fit within a standard 40‑foot container, this vessel represents another significant engineering achievement within the project.

Built for Central Queensland conditions

The structure was carefully engineered to protect the overland flow path to the Fitzroy River and built above expected flood levels – a critical requirement given the site’s environmental sensitivity. Additional design considerations were incorporated to improve the structure’s resilience, including measures to support long‑term stability in a cyclone‑prone region, including compliance with seismic code requirements.

This project demonstrates what can be achieved when long‑term partnership, local capability, advanced technology and specialist live‑environment expertise come together.