Fonterra has opened four plants across the South Island of New Zealand, which include a mozzarella plant at Fonterra’s Clandeboye site near Timaru, along with three new plants at its southernmost site at Edendale.
Fonterra MD global operations Robert Spurway said these expansions generate cash for the Co-operative’s 10,500 farmers and help bolster rural and regional economies.
“The buoyancy of New Zealand’s rural economies has long been the backbone of our national economy,” he says.
“Investing in dairy processing in towns like Clandeboye and Edendale supports the local dairy workforce, brings opportunities for trades, consultants and contractors and has a flow-on effect for a range of local businesses.”
More than 60 new full time jobs have been created between the projects, which have also provided work for thousands more throughout the course of both builds.
“While our preference is to fill roles locally, these expansions are also a drawcard for those looking to move from outside of the region, bringing investment in housing and infrastructure,” says Spurway.
