Australia: ABB to restrict operations of silos

ABB Grain has released details of grain receivals sites that will not operate this harvest, together with other silos that will open with restricted hours or on a ‘fill and shut’ basis, according to company’s press release, October 19.

Operations manager – storage and handling, Andrew Hannon, said the decision to not open, or restrict silo hours at some sites, had only been taken after discussion with local silo committees.

The move was necessary following realisation this year’s harvest would again be well below average.

“With more than 10 million tonnes of grain storage capacity, it simply is not economically viable for ABB to open all of its 111 sites in South Australia,” Mr Hannon said. “However, we have done the right thing and explained to growers, through local site committees, the reasons behind the decision.”

Mr Hannon said that 19 sites had been confirmed as not opening this harvest, with a further four pending the outcome of upcoming committee meetings.

“Nineteen sites will have restricted hours opening during the harvest, while a further 19 sites will operate on a ‘fill and shut’ basis – that is they will be closed after they reach full capacity,” he said.

“Wherever possible, we will be trying to maximise the use of our permanent storage infrastructure and minimise use of bunker storage.”

The South Australian grains harvest is gaining momentum and ABB has received grain into 28 of its sites.

Sites not opening: Copeville, Galga, Gurrai, Meribah, Kulkami, Parilla, Taldra, Wanbi, Quorn, Caltowie, Hallett, Wilmington, Yongala, Nantawarra, Cungena, Wharminda, Buckleboo, Yaninee and Kielpa. Decisions are also pending on Bute, Tooligie, Hamley Bridge and Stockwell.

Restricted hours: Padthaway, Minnipa, Port Neill, Yeelanna, Waddikee, Darke Peake, Murdinga, Ungarra, Cowell, Warramboo, Wudinna, Pintumba, Penong, Nunjikompita, Wirrulla, Poochera, Streaky Bay, Witera and Elliston.

Fill & shut sites: Paskeville (with hours also restricted to 8am-4pm weather permitting), Alawoona (with restricted hours), Kulkami (ditto), Paringa (ditto), Peebinga (ditto), Waikerie (ditto), Wunkar (ditto), Burra, Farrell Flat, Kapunda, Robertstown, Tarlee, Andrews, Brinkworth, Melrose, Redhill, Wirrabara, Cambrai and Monarto (with a review of overflow once harvest begins).

19 October, 2007