EARLIER: A 59-year-old man  suffered burns in an explosion that tore through a meat rendering factory at Cressy yesterday afternoon.

The Western Tiers Proteins worker underwent surgery at the Launceston General Hospital late last night.

Western Tiers Proteins produces soap tallow, meat and bone meal and ovine meal at the Burlington Road premises.

The man was working in the rendering plant when the pressure cooker exploded.

He received burns to face, arms and chest.

He was treated at the scene by ambulance workers before being taken to the LGH.

Last night, police said his condition was serious but stable.

Company managing director Craig Palmer was interstate and declined to comment last night.

The Tasmanian Quality Meats-owned building was extensively damaged in the explosion.

The incident was attended by police, fire and ambulance about 5.30pm.

Fire crews remained on site last night.

A hospital spokeswoman said the man had been conscious and in a stable condition before going into theatre about 11pm.

Workplace Standards were notified of the incident.