Harvey Beef suspends operations

Western Australia's largest meatworks, Harvey Beef, will suspend its processing operations for nine days as the global financial crisis dries up customers' credit for the product.

Speaking to ABC radio, a Harvey Beef spokesperson said the shutdown will start on January 24 and the abattoir will re-open on February 2.

The spokesperson said the company had experienced eight months of difficult trading conditions that started with the Varanus Island gas explosion in June and was compounded by the onset of the economic crisis.

He said demand had been reduced with customers having difficulty opening lines of credit for purchases.

He said the shutdown will allow the company to reduce stock levels and provide an opportunity for the business to conduct a review.

He added that Harvey Beef was committed to re-opening the abattoir on the scheduled date.

Harvey Beef employees will access annual and long service leave during the shutdown.