How we started

Master Butchers Co-operative Limited was incorporated in January 1949, under the direction of the Wesdan team of Frank West, Managing Director and Victor Dann, Sales Director, as a Co-operative to service the requirements of the Butchering industry.

Early in 1936 two young men of enterprise and vision, with unbounded confidence in the prosperity of this state, started on a venture which has made an indelible impression in the business community of WA, In particular, amongst the Master Butchers of Western Australia. Messrs. Frank West and Victor Dann made a humble beginning as a supply house for Butchers requisites in a store room at 49 Francis Street, Perth and called their new enterprise “Wesdan”. With “Service” their guiding principle, and unlimited energy and enthusiasm, it was not long before the tiny store room became completely inadequate to handle the requirements of the growing list of clients.

In 1937 a move was made to larger premises at 370 Murray Street, Perth, to enable the rapid expansion. During 1938 the successful partnership, that now included Mr. Sidney West, formed the company known as Wesdan Ltd, with this change of name, came another move, this time to larger premises again, at 332 Murray Street, Perth. With a commitment to continual growth and a view to move into their own premises, the company moved to a 2-storey building at 1009 Hay Street, Perth in March 1946.

Testament to the success of the venture, culminated with management agreeing to enter in to a Co-operative agreement with the Master Butchers of Western Australia.

Master Butchers Co-Operative Ltd continued on the growth path with the same commitment to customer service that established them as market leader in Butchery supplies.

MBL 1949 -2021

In 1955, Master Butchers Co-operative Ltd, acquired one of the most valuable commercial properties near the inner city, purchasing 10-12 Asquith Street, Victoria Park.

1996 Master Butchers Co-Operative Limited was renamed MBL Food services Co-operative Limited.

In 1998, 13,000 sqm of land was purchased in Kewdale, to cater for future growth plans.

In 2004 the former Co-operative was converted to a non-listed public company and on 6^th December, MBL Trading Limited was formerly incorporated by ASIC.

In 2005, the Kewdale block was sold and the profit used to re-invest in a new building. Not long after, 10-12 Asquith Street, Victoria Park was sold and MBL moved to our current premises in Vulcan Road Canning Vale.

In 2021, MBL Foodservices was renamed MBL Food & Packaging

Our loyal customers and employees continue to be the cornerstone of MBL’s success. The values established by the founders and their unwavering commitment to providing customer service continue to position MBL as the market leader in the Butchery and Meat Processing sector and an emerging supplier to the Bakery, Food Service and Packaging sectors.

Our interaction with our customers and suppliers and the supply of new and innovative products to our markets is integral to our success, we are committed to maintaining and growing the relationships we have developed over the last 72 years, and look forward to the new relationships we develop over the next 72 years.

MBL Trading Limited, trading as MBL Food & Packaging moved from its historical past as a Co-operative to an unlisted public company back in 2004. The business, backed by a solid financial history and prudent management has also moved from its location in Asquith Street Victoria Park to newer and larger premises in Bannister Rd Canning Vale. We have also moved forward from servicing its former co-operative members and shareholders to opening a 600sqm showroom to the public and trade alike.