Fonterra investing $70m in new electrode boilers
While opening the first electrode boiler at its Edendale site, Fonterra has announced a $70 million investment in two further new electrode boilers.
Fonterra chairman John Wilson says the co-op has invested $2.4 billion in additional capacity over the last three years.
While the investment has come at a cost to shareholders in terms of debt servicing, Wilson says it has provided the co-op flexibility.
Speaking at the co-op's annual meeting in Waitoa today, Wilson says the co-op's debt gearing ratio will come down to 40-45% before the end of the season.
He says the increased capability will help maintain a good milk price for farmers.
"We have added 8m litres more capacity in the last year," he says.
"It has eliminated losses at peak and offers us flexibility to grow returns from value added products."
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While opening the first electrode boiler at its Edendale site, Fonterra has announced a $70 million investment in two further new electrode boilers.