The upgrade would also mean abattoir employees would get Saturdays off.

The company plans to overhaul technology on the plant's slaughter floor to "best-in-class", according to the project's development application.

The Tamworth plant is already the largest small stock processing facility in the southern hemisphere and one of the city's biggest employers.

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The plant has two eight-to-ten hour shift rosters a day, typically six days a week. The plant opens at 5.30am and doesn't close until 11.30pm.

A spokesperson for Thomas Foods International told the Leader the upgrade would be a win-win for workers and the company.

It will generate "operational cost savings" through a reduction in wages by reducing the amount of weekend shift work.

But it will also improve overall working conditions for all staff and allow more flexible and regular maintenance.

The spokesperson flagged the $2 million upgrade won't be the last.

"We are seeking to invest further in our Tamworth operations in the future and we currently have positions available for local job seekers," the spokesperson said.

The company also committed to engage local contractors for the upgrade works.

The processing giant applied to Tamworth council for development approval for the scheme in late-December, and the application is being considered by council.

The plant processes between 10,000 and 11,000 head of sheep and lambs on an average day.

It has the capacity to process 30,000 tonnes of meat a year, and has an annual rendering capacity of 4000 tonnes.

The company spent $25 million expanding the Tamworth facility in 2015 after purchasing it in 2010.

Thomas Foods closed their abattoir in Wallangarra, near Tenterfield, in 2016.

The company is Australia's largest family-owned meat processing company and a major supplier to the country's supermarkets.

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