WAFarmers has welcomed the announcement from Brownes Dairy that it will revive the old Brunswick cheese factory in order to produce 6,000 tonnes of cheese annually.
The $10 million investment will see manufacturing capacities developed at the south west facility, with a small percentage of the cheese will be available for purchase in WA and the rest to be exported to China as early as this spring.
Brownes Managing Director Tony Girgis said approximately 15 per cent of the state’s annual dairy supply would be used to reach the 6,000 tonne per annum target, which will be reached in three to five years.
WAFarmers Dairy Section President Michael Partridge said the announcement would be welcomed by industry.
“This expansion of manufacturing capabilities is very significant for the state’s dairy industry, as the sector has experienced a difficult couple of years,” Mr Partridge said.
“WAFarmers has worked alongside industry to try to find long-term solutions to managing the variation of milk supply, which has included accessing world markets.
“While Brownes has recognised that this is not a one-fix solution to balancing supply, it will work positively towards safeguarding the future of the WA dairy industry.
“When Shanghai Ground Food Tech purchased Brownes in November last year, we recognised the potential for the business to expand opportunities for dairy exports, particularly if local manufacturing capacities were developed.
“Four months down the track, we are pleased to see that no time has been wasted in securing this project, which will provide greater certainty for producers.”
ENDS.
All media requests must be directed to WAFarmers Media and Communications Officer Melanie Dunn on (08) 9486 2100 or [email protected].
