A new milk powder drier will begin processing milk today at Fonterra's Edendale plant. The factory that is now possible of processing 11 million litres per day will create an extra 62 permanent jobs.
"The new drier can be set up to manufacture 13 tonnes of powder per hour of either skim milk or whole milk powder. The availability of this new drier will enable Fonterra to reduce its production of cheese and casein in favour of milk powder to maximise revenues when powder prices are high," said major capital projects manager, Dave Packer.
The addition of the drier has made Fonterra Edendale a key site for the lower half of New Zealand's South Island, and the second largest Fonterra plant behind Whareroa.
"With 31 new suppliers in the region this season, and milk supply predicted to increase over the next few years, there was a need to increase processing capacity," said Mr Packer.
"Last year's successful commissioning of the plant's second drier made Edendale the natural choice for the latest expansion," he said.
The milk powder to be shipped out of Port Chalmers, is destined for the general export market.