Western Australia Grain Handler Collapses

Western Australia’s Tamma Grains has fallen into control of receivers after being under pressure from banks for some time. Tamma’s owner, Kim Packer confirms that the family is currently selling farmland and is in negotiations regarding other assets, and that all growers have been paid.

The major grain handling and storage business, which has more than 36,000 tons of storage capacity and operates a containerized grain shipping service, has been an acquisition target for overseas interests seeking a share of control in the grain supply chain in the region, and Mr. Packer states that despite the receivership, he is still seeking an equity partner to grow the business.

Tamma has worked with Bunge as a storage and handling provider for the multinational trader as it began shipments from its new grain terminal in Bunbury, and GrainCorp-owned Barret Burston Malting also uses Tamma for grain storage and handling. Bunge has since applied to build two grain storage facilities with 120,000 and 150,000 tons of storage capacity respectively to service its Bunbury terminal.

If Mr. Packer cannot secure an equity partner, Tamma Grains will be placed on the market.

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