Saputo Dairy Australia’s (SDA) Smithton Frozen Natural Cream Cheese (FNCC) production facility has gone live for the first time following a $20 million capital investment announced in February.
The investment in new infrastructure has generated employment in the region and is creating value for the plant, stakeholders, employees and customers.
SDA’s Regional Operations Manager for Tasmania, Paul Davies, said go live was an important milestone for our Tasmania operations, with the investment strengthening SDA’s competitiveness.
“We’re pleased that this new facility in Smithton is operating in time for peak milk production.
“Demand for high-quality dairy products continues to grow. We’re continually working to ensure we have the right manufacturing footprint and product offering to enhance our position as a high-quality, low-cost processor with a sharp focus on innovation, efficiency and simplicity.
“We remain committed to the Australian dairy industry, and will continue to make major investments and strategic decisions to ensure our long-term business success as we pursue more high-value product opportunities in domestic and premium export markets.”
Meanwhile the North-West Tasmania’s dairy industry will continue to grow, thanks to Saputo renewing its partnership with Agritas and Duck River Meadows Dairy, an Agritas facility which gives visitors opportunities to learn about the dairy industry and dairy’s role in a nutritious diet.
SDA has provided $10,000 through its Building Strong Communities program, funding community open days and a school visitation program. The partnership extension is supporting delivery of an upcoming Community Open Day on 7 October at Duck River Meadows Dairy.
Through Agritas’ school visitation program, more than 200 students have witnessed cow milkings at a robotic dairy, discovered a museum and tasted local artisan cheese since November, with six regional primary and secondary schools touring Duck River Meadows Dairy.
Going forward, SDA funding will also enable Agritas to create dairy teaching resources for Grades 3 through to 8 that can be recognised and used as part of the Australian school curriculum.
Agritas Chairman, Graeme Pretty said “We are grateful for SDA’s support to help us showcase our world-class facility at no cost to locals and tourists alike.
-Saputo