Tasmania’s dairy farmers today welcomed National Foods’ announcement that it will go ahead with a $142 million redevelopment of its Burnie specialty cheese factory, making it the biggest of its kind in Australia.
“This is a tremendous boost for the Tasmanian dairy industry; a huge vote of confidence in our farmers and their dedication to quality,” Tasmanian Farmers and Graziers Association Dairy Council Chairman Andrew Lester said.
Yesterday National Foods said it would be investing more than originally planned since it would also provide its own on-site anaerobic wastewater plant in an arrangement with Cradle Mountain Water and the Burnie City Council.
The company says annual production will increase from the present 10,000 tonnes to 25,000 tonnes and will include the leading brands Tasmanian Heritage, Heidi Farm, Mersey Valley and South Cape.
“The new facility consolidates their specialty cheese output in one Australian site except for King Island,” Mr Lester said.
“This is a major commitment by one company to the Tasmanian dairy industry.
“Our reputation for clean, green and exceptional environmental standards as well as reliability have won the day for Burnie.”
Jan Davis http://www.tfga.com.au/
