Construction Starts On Fonterra’s New UHT Plant
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- Fonterra has started construction on a UHT cream plant in Edendale, Southland.
- The $150 million project will create 70 jobs and double capacity by 2030.
- Production will meet growing Asian demand, starting with 50 million litres annually.
Construction has officially begun at Fonterra’s new ultra-high temperature (UHT) cream plant in Edendale, following a groundbreaking ceremony held yesterday (Thursday 19th December).
The ceremony brought together Fonterra employees, local community members, and iwi representatives. Hokonui Rūnanga Cultural Advisor Matu Coleman-Clark blessed the site and project team before the first sod was turned, marking the start of an ambitious project to meet growing global demand for high-value dairy products.
The state-of-the-art UHT plant is designed to produce over 50 million litres of cream annually when it begins operations in August 2026. Production capacity is expected to more than double by 2030, driven by demand across Asia. Seventy permanent roles will be created, alongside a range of construction-related jobs during the build phase.
Fonterra’s General Manager of Operations for the Lower South Island, Andrew Johns, expressed his enthusiasm for the milestone.
“It’s fantastic to see all the planning and hard mahi come together, and we’re eager to watch the build take shape in the coming months,” he said. “The new plant is a big investment in our future here at Edendale, and we’re looking forward to seeing the positive impact on our community as a whole as construction progresses.”
The $150 million project is part of Fonterra’s wider strategy to enhance its Foodservice business, particularly in China, and to expand its production of high-value dairy products.
The new plant underscores the Co-operative’s commitment to innovation and community development, aiming to provide economic benefits to the Southland region while catering to the evolving needs of global markets.