An additional three sites in regional Victoria will also benefit from the multi-million-dollar investment in infrastructure that will also secure existing jobs.

Last year, Fonterra rebuilt and expanded its operations at Stanhope through a $140 million project made possible through the support of the Andrews Labor Government.

The Stanhope cheese plant currently produces around 45,000 metric tonnes of cheese each year and the expanded plant will boost that capacity by 35,000 tonnes, creating local jobs and supporting Victorian farmers.

The additional $165 million investment includes:

• Over $125 million to double the size of Fonterra’s flagship Stanhope cheese plant in northern Victoria
• A $7 million expansion at Fonterra’s Darnum nutritionals plant in Gippsland
• $13.5 million for projects at Cobden and another $8.6 million at Dennington in Western Victoria.

More jobs will be created during the construction phase.

“Victoria is Australia’s jobs and manufacturing powerhouse, and this investment cements that reputation,” said Carroll.  “This is a huge vote of confidence in our dairy industry from Fonterra, a world leader in Australia’s $2 billion consumer cheese industry.”

“Through peaks and troughs, we’ve supported our hardworking dairy farmers and will continue to invest in projects that help the industry continue to innovate and grow.”

Source: Manufacturers'Monthly   ||   January 25, 2018   |||