Fonterra invests in manufacturing expansion

Fonterra has announced plans to expand its Stanhope processing plant to incorporate ricotta cheese production once its Cororooke plant closes in October.

The company will invest $6 million to begin ricotta production at the plant - a move that is expected to create six new jobs.

The Victorian Government has given Fonterra a $250,000 grant as part of its Industries for Today and Tomorrow program.

“This is a great example of government and industry working together to ensure we deliver on the global opportunities for dairy,” said Judith Swales, Fonterra Australia MD.

“By focusing Stanhope’s production on high-value products, like ricotta cheese, we are able to increase our productivity, efficiency and competitiveness.

“This move confirms our commitment to dairy processing in Victoria and the Victorian Government’s commitment to food processing.”

The Stanhope factory receives milk from about 260 dairy farms throughout northern Victoria and processes it into cheese for domestic and international markets.