Simplot Australia says a $65 million upgrade to its Bathurst manufacturing facility in New South Wales’ Central West will transform the site.
Simplot is the last Australian grown frozen and shelf-stable vegetable provider of any scale in Australia, with six manufacturing sites. It sources around 400,000 tonnes of Australian grown vegetables every year and employs roughly 2000 people.
The Bathurst plant produces Birds Eye and Edgell shelf-stable and frozen vegetable products as well as the iconic Chiko Roll. It has been in operation for nearly 100 years and employs 170 people while working with 50 local businesses and growers in the region.
Graham Dugdale.
Simplot Australia’s managing director Graham Dugdale said, “It will transform the Bathurst site into a frozen vegetable centre of excellence, enable increased production capacity, and ultimately help boost local and export volumes.”
The investment will upgrade facilities, extend existing production areas, and install new equipment including new vegetable processing technologies.
“Our customers and consumers value Australian sourced, grown, and processed food. There is a real understanding that Australian grown and produced food represents high-quality standards. We are delighted that we are continuing to invest and support our customers, Australian farmers, communities, and businesses,” Dugdale said.
The company has also acquired farming land in the region for $40 million to secure supply for its corn requirements.
“The decision to grow our portfolio of high-quality farms in the region will ensure we have secure and reliable access to corn volumes to meet increased production capacity at our Bathurst operation and the ongoing needs of our customers,” he said.
Works are expected to be completed in 2024, with around 100 construction, installation, and commissioning jobs created during the project.
Simplot’s brands are Birds Eye, John West, Leggo’s, Edgell, Seakist, Harvest, I&J, Chiko, Ally, FiveTastes, Chicken Tonight, Raguletto, Five Brothers, and Simply Great Meals. It was #23 on the Food & Drink Business 2021 Top 100 Food & Drink Companies.
