Simplot Australia announces $100 million investment in NSW Central West
Simplot Australia has announced a $65 million upgrade to its Bathurst manufacturing facility and acquisition of farming land in the Central West region of New South Wales valued at $40 million.
Announcing the upgrade, 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.”
Simplot is the last Australian grown frozen and shelf-stable vegetable provider of any scale in Australia and is proudly supporting local farming communities. The investment will see the company’s Bathurst facilities upgraded, the extension of existing production areas, and the installation of new equipment, including new vegetable processing technologies.
“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.” Mr Dugdale added.
“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.”
The works at the Bathurst operation are anticipated to be completed in 2024, and over that period it is estimated there will be up to 100 construction, installation and commissioning jobs on site.
About Simplot Australia:
Simplot Australia is a food manufacturing and agriculture business encompassing potato, vegetable, seafood, and sauce operations that supply frozen, shelf-stable and chilled products to Australia’s major retail and foodservice markets. It is home to Australia’s favourite food brands, including Leggo’s, Birds Eye, Edgell, John West, and Chiko. As Australia’s last frozen vegetable processor, we are proud of the investment we are making in the future of Australian food manufacturing. We have six Australian manufacturing sites, employ about 2,000 Australians, and source 400,000 tonnes of Australian grown vegetables every year from our Aussie growers.
Simplot’s Bathurst manufacturing facility produces Birds Eye and Edgell shelf-stable and frozen vegetable products and the iconic Chiko Roll. The facility has been in operation for nearly 100 years and now directly employs 170 people and supports 50 local businesses and growers in the region.
