And these new jobs will make a big difference to a small town.

Hunter Valley Quality Meats are currently advertising for 100 permanent full-time workers, including four new apprentices, for their current Primo beef operations in Scone.

Primo currently has about 600 employees in Scone with another 120 positions available on completion of the company’s current expansion project.

With a number of Upper Hunter workers losing their jobs in the past few weeks, the new positions will be welcome news for many.

Hunter Valley Quality Meats general manager Peter Allen said he would not be surprised if some of the new workers were formerly in the mining industry.

“We have about 25 workers already who were previously in mining,” Mr Allen said.

“If you are fit and able with a good work ethic, we will train you to take on a highly skilled role in our business.”

Mr Allen announced the new positions this week after ongoing discussions with Upper Hunter Shire mayor Michael Johnsen and support from the council.

“Council has been supportive of the business and we have been able to develop an employment program on the back of that,” Mr Allen said.

Cr Johnsen congratulated the company on their commitment to the Upper Hunter.

“Primo has a terrific attitude and ethic and have made significant management decisions investing money and effort in creating a healthy, successful business.

“As the entire Hunter region is seeking to diversify its employment base, the expansion in Primo’s operations is a real boost for the Upper Hunter,” Cr Johnsen said.

“Primo is Scone’s biggest employer and it has been a backbone to the local economy for decades.

“It’s a great sign in a rural town if local government is not the largest employer,” he said. 

“The importance of Primo’s Scone operations to the shire cannot be underestimated.

“They are not just paying wages into the local economy, the business itself spends locally on tradespeople and goods.

“They shop local, they are employing as many locals as they can and I hope many more locals will take up the challenge and fill these positions.”