Farming
The Gore District Council and Mataura Valley Milk today (27 June) signed an agreement confirming the company’s financial contribution for its premium nutritional processing plant on the outskirts of Gore.
The Council will receive $958,000 in total, with payments spread over four years.
The agreement was signed by China Animal Husbandry Group President and MVM Chairman Dr Tingwu Xue and Gore District Mayor Tracy Hicks.
Mr Hicks said the signing was the last part of this significant project to be finalised. It had been an incredible journey to see one of the world’s most technologically advanced nutrition plants take shape.
“For a small council, our staff have really stepped up to meet the challenges and complexities of such a project.
“It is always good to have investment in our District to provide employment and growth. However, it is also good to see a company willing to invest in areas of community good.”
The financial contribution is likely to be earmarked for the Gore Library.
“In keeping with the wishes of the company, we will work with MVM to ensure its contribution is recognised appropriately,” Mr Hicks said.
Mataura Valley Milk Chief Executive Bernard May CEO said both organisations should be extremely proud of how they have worked together over the last three years, especially given the project was New Zealand’s largest investment in food processing for a start-up business.
Being local was a big part of MVM’s identity, he said
“For our business to be successful we need the support of the local community, we need to have local farmers as shareholders, and local people working and supporting us.”
With the company’s initial investment of $226 million completed, growth in the supply of milk has seen work start on a $5million expansion of the milk treatment area. This is due to be commissioned at the start of August, Mr May said.