The investment is a glimmer of hope after the diary industry was sent reeling when farmgate milk prices paid to farmers were slashed in May.
Fonterra’s investment will increase the plant’s cheese-making capacity by 8000 tonnes a year by quickening the process of cheese making.
The extra capacity will help the Wynyard plant keep up with the growing demand for Fonterra’s cheese and whey from its domestic and export customers.
The plant has been running at full capacity since a fire destroyed the company’s Victorian cheese plant at Stanhope in December 2014.
Fonterra Australia regional operations manager south Steve Taylor said the Wynyard factory was a key part of Fonterra’s global multi-hub strategy.
“Tasmania is an important region for Fonterra and we continue to invest here for the long-term,” Mr Taylor said.
“The more we invest will put us in a strong position to manage global volatility, pay the best possible price to farmers.”
The Wynyard expansion will boost Fonterra’s total Australian cheese production increase by 50 per cent once the Stanhope plant is commissioned mid next year.
Source: The Mercury
Link: http://www.themercury.com.au/news/tasmania/fonterra-invests-43-in-wynyard-plant-to-boost-cheesemaking-capacity/news-story/10210101412db02f78b184d6a4670efc
