EDINBURGH, Scotland – Scotch Premier Meat, Scotbeef and Mathers plan to merge operations in an effort to preserve and expand the meat processing sector in the northeast of Scotland, according to news reports.

As part of the deal, a new state-of-the-art meat processing facility is planned for Thainstone Agricultural Centre, near Inverurie, Aberdeenshire, Scotland — the headquarters of ANM Group, parent company of Scotch Premier Meat.

The new operation will provide processing services for farmers, retailers, independent butchers and other customers, according to news reports. Robbie Galloway, managing director of J.W. Galloway (owners of Scotbeef) will lead the partnership. Pat Machray, chief executive of ANM Group will also have a role, and Michael Mountford, managing director of Mathers, will be site director.