Birch & Waite has launched its new $13.5 million factory in Revesby featuring the Southern Hemisphere's first commercial sized Shaking Retort.
The company invited attendees to tour the facility and see the new processing technology, which allows for a higher vitamin retention and lower salt use, gives food a better look and taste, as well as a longer shelf life, according to the company.
Birch & Waite is a proprietary company wholly owned two of the company's directors, Willi Schultheiss and Peter Flick.
The site, which the company predicts will drive over $20 million in growth for the business, will focus on the firm’s aged care health range – thickened liquid health products for those suffering from dysphagia. a disorder that causes difficulty, or inability to swallow.
The company is also making premium batch products for consumers and professional chefs in sachets at the new facility.
“High pH sauces that contain fresh ingredients will keep their full flavour, nutritional value and freshness thanks to the quick thermal cooking process it allows. The end results are products that taste as if a chef has just created them,” David Charles, general manager of Birch & Waite said.
“We realised that as well as developing products with good flavours, there is a clear need in the health care sector for a new, more palatable product to support the hydration and nutrition requirements of people with dysphagia. The new technology at Revesby has made this possible.”
The family-owned company already employs over 100 staff at its Marrickville factory, and the new site at Revesby will create up to 45 full time jobs.
“We are very happy with the way this has come together and Revesby will be a great benefit to Birch & Waite in the future,” Flick told launch attendees.
Schultheiss said: “The new factory opening marks and exciting stage in the history of Birch & Waite.
“Peter Taitoko and his team from RMR have been very innovative in their design and project management to deliver this project in a timely manner and affordable price.”
The official opening ceremony was conducted by the Hon. Craig Laundy, Assistant Minister for Industry, Innovation and Science.
