Nestlé Australia today unveiled the final stage of a substantial three year project to expand the production capabilities of its factory at Smithtown on the NSW mid north coast.
The latest investment includes the construction of new facilities to house state-of-the-art technology, the first of its kind in Australia.
Over the last three years, around $53 million has been invested into the factory with a large majority of those funds allocated to bring production of NESCAFÉ CAFÉ MENU permanently to Smithtown following an outbreak of foot and mouth disease in South Korea in 2010.
The investment has created nearly 25 full time positions since 2011.
Nestlé Australia’s Business Executive Manager – Beverages, Evan Gongolidis, said the expansion had seen the creation of a permanent home for NESCAFÉ CAFÉ MENU.
“The decision to create this substantial investment and a long term vision for our business in Smithtown is a tribute to the region, its residents and the local economy,” he said.
“Smithtown has proved to be a wonderful home for us to produce iconic products such as MILO that have been enjoyed in the homes of generations of Australians."
State Member for Oxley, Mr Andrew Stoner, said Nestlé had continued to show confidence in the Macleay Valley and Mid North Coast with its ongoing investment at the Smithtown factory.
“Nestlé is not only one of the biggest employers in the area but has also been in Smithtown for more than 90 years – with many more to come,” he said.
“This region will continue to be prosperous and we welcome and thank Nestlé’s continued support to our local economy.”
The factory has been operating at Smithtown since 1921 and is the birthplace of MILO, the iconic milk drink that was invented 80 years ago and has been produced at the factory ever since. The factory also manufactures NESQUIK and NESTLÉ Malted Milk.
Interview and photo opportunity
Monday, November 17 at 10.30am
Nestlé Smithtown Factory – (Enter via Rawson Street, Smithtown)
Please arrive at 10.20am to allow time to gain security access to the factory
Smithtown factory at a glance:
- Nestlé has been operating at Smithtown factory since 1921.
- MILO was first produced at Smithtown following its invention by Sydney man, Thomas Mayne in 1934.
- MILO is now sold in Asia, South America and Africa.
- More than 500 million glasses of MILO are consumed in Australia every year.
About Nestlé:
Nestlé is the world’s leader in nutrition, health and wellness. Nestlé aims to improve the quality of life of consumers through healthier and tastier food and beverage choices throughout all the stages of their lives and at any time of day.
Nestlé Oceania has offices, factories and distribution centres across Australia, employing more than 4,300 people. It also employs 1300 people in the manufacturing and sales hubs of New Zealand, Fiji, Papua New Guinea and the Pacific Islands.
The company produces nearly 300,000 tonnes of product in Australia each year including UNCLE TOBYS, KIT KAT, NESCAFÉ and MAGGI and sources around 70 per cent of raw materials locally.
For more information:Anita Catalano
Nestlé Australia
Ph: (02) 8756 2388
M: 0406 403 397
[email protected]