A new $18 million baked chip line at Smith’s factory in Regency Park, South Australia is operating 24/7 and has created 28 new full-time permanent positions.
PepsiCo ANZ CEO Danny Celoni said the investment showed the company’s commitment to supporting local manufacturing, employment and produce while fostering further innovation and growth in the FMCG sector.
The line is Australia’s only high-capacity baked potato line, which will produce a wide range of new better-for-you snacking innovations, including Smith’s Oven Baked potato chips and Red Rock Deli premium crackers.
The line was installed during COVID-19 lockdown last year, with the support of the South Australian Government. It allowed special dispensation to interstate specialist workers to enter the state, meaning the project could be delivered on time.
South Australian Premier Steven Marshall congratulated PepsiCo on the installation and said it was a major win for the state’s food sector.
“It’s great to have PepsiCo here for the long term, continuing to invest in our economy, creating local jobs, supporting local farmers and leading the way in new food innovations,” Marshall said.
PepsiCo said the demand for baked products has surged during the pandemic, resulting in the line operating 24/7.
Celoni said: “This investment allows PepsiCo to lead the sector with product innovation and introduce new snack formats while continuing to manufacture top quality products, as we have done here for more than 35 years.”
As Smith’s celebrates 90 years, its Regency Park manufacturing site has been making Smith’s potato chips for around 38 years. It employs 305 people and is now home to Smith’s, Red Rock Deli, Doritos, and Twisties branded snacks.
Nationally, Smith’s uses 90 million kilograms of fresh potatoes each year from local farmers all over the country including Angle Vale, Baroota, Murkbo, Parilla and Langhorne Creek in South Australia.
