Goodman Fielder has completed an expansion of its Meadow Fresh Christchurch manufacturing operations, adding processing, product development and distribution capability through more than $100 million invested at the site over the past three years.
“The investment in this plant is a response to growing domestic and export demand and reflects our confidence in New Zealand’s ability to produce world-leading, high-quality dairy products that are valued both here at home and around the world,” says Goodman Fielder New Zealand chief executive Bernard Duignan.
At the centre of the expansion is the Meadow Fresh High Value Dairy Centre, which increases the company’s capability to manufacture high-value ultra-high-temperature dairy products for domestic and export markets, including high-protein milk products for China and Southeast Asia.
The investment includes a research and development pilot plant for new product development, ultrafiltration technology for high-protein dairy products and an automated pallet racking system to move finished products through the supply chain.
“Through this expansion, we’re increasing our capability to manufacture innovative, high-value dairy products and creating opportunities to add more value in New Zealand, as well as take New Zealand-made products to more international customers and markets,” Duignan says.
The expansion supports Goodman Fielder’s growing presence in China and Southeast Asia, including a long-term supply partnership with Yihai Kerry Arawana, a subsidiary of Wilmar International, for retail and foodservice markets.
The investment has created 25 jobs, taking the Meadow Fresh Christchurch team to 280 people.
Across Christchurch and Longburn in Palmerston North, more than 500 people work in Goodman Fielder’s Meadow Fresh dairy operations. The two sites handle more than 250 million litres of milk annually.
The new centre was officially opened by prime minister Christopher Luxon. Goodman Fielder says the development reinforces Christchurch’s position as a centre for dairy manufacturing and supports the long-term growth of Canterbury’s food and beverage sector.
“Christchurch and Canterbury, with their growing dairy industry and strong infrastructure, continue to play an important role in Meadow Fresh’s manufacturing operations and future growth,” Duignan says.
Meadow Fresh has produced dairy products in New Zealand for more than 60 years, with longstanding links to Canterbury and the South Island. Its products are sold through retail and foodservice channels throughout New Zealand, with the brand also growing in Pacific and Southeast Asian markets.
The Christchurch development forms part of a broader investment programme by Wilmar International and Goodman Fielder in New Zealand. Over the past five years, the companies have invested approximately $300 million in manufacturing capability, technology and people throughout the country.
Goodman Fielder employs approximately 1,700 people across 12 New Zealand manufacturing sites. Its portfolio includes Meadow Fresh, Puhoi Valley, Vogel’s, Freya’s, Molenberg, Nature’s Fresh, Olivani, Edmonds and Chelsea Sugar.
