Waikato dryer sold
An independent milk spray dryer in Hamilton, destined for liquidation, has been bought by a South Auckland goat milk processor.
Waikato Innovation Park has signed an agreement with Tetra Pak, to construct a custom-built national headquarters on its Hamilton East campus.
The new two-storey 3500m2 building will be the fourth constructed on the Park's campus since it opened in February 2004.
Tetra Pak is an existing tenant of the Park and this new building will house their New Zealand headquarters and design team, in addition to a workshop for its technical service team.
The food processing and packaging company moved to the Park in September 2009 where they have until now shared an office building.
Waikato Innovation Park chief executive Stuart Gordon says the new build creates exciting opportunities for the Park, its tenants and New Zealand businesses.
"Tetra Pak's move into a new building is exciting for us here at Waikato Innovation Park because it means we get to help an existing client with their expansion. Seeing our tenants progress and grow is what we are all about. And we're always pleased when we are able to provide options as our tenants grow beyond their initial space requirements," he says.
Chris Morgan, senior Tetra Pak director in New Zealand and site manager of the Hamilton office is excited about the change.
"The Asian and Chinese demand for dairy products from New Zealand continues to grow, which means growth for Tetra Pak as we help New Zealand dairy companies to realise their export plans," says Morgan.
"We are pleased to continue our tenancy at Waikato Innovation Park, which has served us well during the past five years."
Gordon says the company plans to break ground by March 2015 and open the building in December.
The new build will be located on Melody Lane, beside the railroad tracks between the current Tetra Pak building and the FoodWaikato spray dryer.
Agriculture and Forestry Minister Todd McClay is encouraging farmers and growers to stay up to date with weather warnings and seek support should they need it.
The closure of SH2 Waioweka Gorge could result in significant delays and additional costs for freight customers around the Upper North Island, says Transporting New Zealand.
OPINION: The year has started positively for New Zealand dairy farmers and things are likely to get better.
Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) Director General Ray Smith believes there is potential for an increase in dairy farming in New Zealand.
New Zealand's new Special Agricultural Trade Envoy, Horowhenua dairy farmer, company director and former Minister of Agriculture, Nathan Guy says the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with India is a good deal for the country.
New figures show dairy farmers are not only holding on to their international workforce, but are also supporting those staff to step into higher-skilled roles on farm.