Fonterra executive Leon Clement has been appointed the new chief executive of independent milk processor Synlait.

Canterbury milk processor Synlait is supporting the Dairy Industry Restructuring Act 2001 (DIRA) review, announced by Minister of Agriculture Damien O’Connor.

Infant formula volumes remain the key driver of Canterbury-based Synlait Milk Ltd’s increasing profits, says managing director John Penno.

Independent dairy processor Synlait is to set up an R&D centre at Massey University, Palmerston North.

The battle for milk supply in Waikato is heating up with Canterbury processor Synlait entering the region.

Synlait Milk has reaffirmed its milk price forecast of $6.50/kgMS for the 2017-18 season.

Milk processor Synlait has opened a new $37 million Wetmix kitchen, doubling infant formula production at its Dunsandel plant.

Synlait founder and chief executive John Penno intends to step down from his position in the next 12 months, as part of an orderly transition to position the Canterbury milk processor for its next phase of growth.

Synlait milk has doubled its milk powder canning capability with the opening of a $55 million facility at Mangere, Auckland.

A programme, run by independent milk processor Synlait to encourage best practice farming, has been recognised by Environment Canterbury.