Managing director Gary Helou says the co-op expects worthwhile growth from new packaging plant for dairy beverages. The Edith Creek upgrade will be part of a larger $137m capital investment announced in May.
“The investment will expand Devondale Murray Goulburn’s capability to produce a range of formats…. The technology will replace existing production lines.”
The upgrade will further a key strategy – innovation – to help meet growing demand from international consumers and customers for safe, reliable dairy foods.
“The world-leading technology we are bringing to Edith Creek is the first of its kind for our business and will secure sustainable, skilled jobs in the region. Current staff will be trained to produce the new, higher value products.”
The work will begin with the new financial year and startup is expected mid-2015.
MG has increased its stake in the Tasmanian Dairy Products (TDP) joint venture from 56% to 76%; Mitsubishi Corporation holds the remaining 24%.
Helou says this “further demonstrate MG’s commitment to Tasmania and [our intention] to become the first-choice dairy foods supplier to customers and consumers in Australia and overseas.
The co-op expects to markedly increase underlying farmgate returns for MG suppliers.
