NESTLE Australia has unveiled the final stage of a $40 million project to expand the production capabilities of its factory at Smithtown.
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The expansion makes permanent the production of the Nescafe Cafe Menu product range at the factory.
A total of more than $50 million has been invested into the factory since 2011.
A large majority of those funds has been allocated to bring production of Nescafe Cafe Menu to Smithtown following an outbreak of foot and mouth disease in South Korea in 2010.
The latest investment includes the construction of new facilities to house state-of-the-art technology which is the first of its kind in Australia.
The investment has created nearly 25 full-time positions since 2011.
Outgoing Oxley MP Andrew Stoner said Nestle had continued to show confidence in the Macleay Valley and Mid North Coast with its ongoing investment at the Smithtown factory.
“Nestle is not only one of the biggest and best employers in the area, but it 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 Nestle’s continued support to our local economy.”
Nestle Australia’s business executive manager for beverages, Evan Gongolidis, said the expansion had created a permanent home for Nescafe Cafe 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.”
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 this year.
It has been produced at the factory ever since.