Fonterra Edendale Expansion A Boost for Jobs

Media Release

Fonterra Edendale Expansion A Boost for Local Jobs

A new milk powder drier will begin processing milk this Monday at Fonterra's Edendale plant, and will mean an extra 62 permanent jobs at the factory.

The drier will increase the amount of milk the factory is capable of processing to 11 million litres per day. The addition of this drier makes Fonterra Edendale a key site for the lower half of the South Island, and the second largest Fonterra site behind Whareroa.

Dave Packer, Major Capital Projects Manager says the new drier will help Fonterra maximise returns.

"The new drier can be set up to manufacture 13 tonnes of powder per hour of either skim milk or whole milk powder. The availability of this new drier will enable Fonterra to reduce its production of cheese and casein in favour of milk powder to maximise revenues when powder prices are high," says Mr Packer.

With 31 new suppliers in the region this season, and milk supply predicted to increase over the next few years, there was a need to increase processing capacity, Mr Packer said.

Last year's successful commissioning of the plant's second drier made Edendale the natural choice for the latest expansion.

"We were able to use the same design, and also the same project management and contracting teams. As a result, the construction period was less than ten months, meaning we could have it up and running for this season," Mr Packer said.

The milk powder, to be shipped out of Port Chalmers, is destined for the general export market.

-ENDS-

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