Wednesday, 24 April 2013 12:58

PM at Waitoa UHT blessing

Written by 

Construction of Fonterra's new $126 million UHT milk processing plant in Waitoa has taken another step forward with the site's blessing attended by Prime Minister John Key.

Fonterra's chief executive Theo Spierings says the plant, which will be running from April 2014, will enable Fonterra to increase UHT production by 100% over the next few years.

"The five new UHT lines will produce a range of products including UHT white milk and UHT cream for the foodservice sector, which is a part of our business that generates more than $1 billion in sales a year and this plant will allow us to meet the growing demand in Asia for these products," says Spierings.

"This is a big project for us and will help create an additional 50 jobs.
"The plant will also enable us to concentrate our domestic UHT production – including Fonterra Milk for Schools at our Takanini manufacturing site in Auckland."

During the Prime Minister's visit he was also taken on a tour of the wider Fonterra site to meet employees, led by Fonterra chairman John Wilson and Spierings.

Wilson says the blessing, performed by local iwi Ngati Haua, is a milestone in the plant's construction and the presence of the Prime Minister highlights the significance of the investment. "The new UHT plant is core to our growth strategy which will deliver greater returns to our New Zealand farmers."

More like this

Driving change within Fonterra fleet

Today is International Women’s Day, and this year Fonterra wants to shine a light on the women who defy stereotypes and prosper in traditionally male-dominated fields. Erin Wootten, a tanker operator out of the Fonterra Reparoa Site, is doing just that.

Co-op decarbonisation leader's Antarctic trip

At the beginning of November 2023, Linda Mulvihill, Fonterra’s general manager energy & climate, flew to Ushuaia, Argentina, where she boarded a ship and began a 19-day voyage to Antarctica.

Featured

Govt urged to reduce ETS units

The Climate Change Commission wants the new Government to reduce NZ Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) auction volumes as son as possible.

Dairy sheep, goat woes mount

Dairy sheep and goat farmers are being told to reduce milk supply as processors face a slump in global demand for their products.

Alliance's Pure South cuts win gold

Meat co-operative Alliance Group has bagged four gold medals at the Outstanding NZ Food Producer Awards, achieving top honours for every cut entered.

Dairy demand on the rise

There is increasing evidence that dairy demand is on the upswing, according to Rabobank senior agricultural analyst Emma Higgins.

Fert use tumbles as prices spike

Fertiliser use in New Zealand over the 18 months is about 25% down from what it consistently was for the previous decade or more, says Ravensdown chief operating officer Mike Whitty.

National

Waikato dryer sold

An independent milk spray dryer in Hamilton, destined for liquidation, has been bought by a South Auckland goat milk processor.

Machinery & Products

Samasz sets its sights high

Since its arrival in New Zealand, Polish mower manufacturer Samasz, currently celebrating 40 years in business, has carved a niche…

Trojan keeps on going

The DR200 Trojan farm two-wheeler motorcycle was introduced over 28 years ago, when the engineering team at Suzuki New Zealand…

Still going strong!

The saying goes ‘if it ain’t broke -don’t fix it’, so it’s no surprise to see an old favourite in…

» Latest Print Issues Online

Milking It

'A complete dog

OPINION: It's not just a rural banking inquiry that farmers want. Freshwater farm plans are another major headache for farmers.

Action, not words

OPINION: The new Government may be farmer friendly, but it's not love, rather action that farmers want.

» Connect with Dairy News

» eNewsletter

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter