Fonterra’s new $150 million ultra-high temperature cream plant at Southland’s Edendale site will see its construction workforce grow to 150 contractors in the coming months.
The first UHT products are anticipated to come off the production line next August, allowing the co-operative to capitalise on growing demand from Asia for foodservice items like Anchor whipping cream.
Andrew Johns, general manager of Lower South Island operations, said the Edendale investment is focused on meeting demand from expanding markets and preparing for the future.
The plant will start by processing over 50 million litres of UHT cream annually, with the capacity to exceed 100 million litres by 2030.
Construction started in January. The walls and concrete slabs for processing and packing are now visible from State Highway 1, with most of the roof already in place.
Work is advancing on the product store and distribution warehouse, with external excavation almost finished and foundations being laid for the container yard.
Over 50 people were working on the construction, and based on reports, this number is expected to triple soon.