MEDIA CENTRE
Downloads |
|
| Photograph - Chris Shelley | Photograph - James Williams |
For a high resolution version of the MATAURA VALLEY™ logo, please contact enquiries@mataura.com.
News Stories |
|
| NZ Farmers Weekly | 9 June 2008 |
| Sales yards to be dairy factory location | |
| The National Business Review | 15 May 2008 |
| $90 million dairy factory planned for Southland | |
| The Press | 15 May 2008 |
| Christchurch company plans dairy factory in Mataura | |
| The Southland Times | 15 May 2008 |
| $90 million milk processing factory launched |
Media Statement |
|
| 15 May 2008 |
MATAURA VALLEY™ opens up premium markets for farmers
A proposed $90 million state-of-the-art dairy processing plant near Gore will provide new opportunities for local farmers and worldwide customers, as well as helping to build a more dynamic Southland economy.
Mataura Valley Milk plans to build the facility on a site at McNab, 7km north of Gore. The plant represented a unique opportunity for the region and for New Zealand, chief executive Chris Shelley said today.
“We aim to deliver new investment, innovation, skilled jobs, added value and exports.
“Our proposed plant will produce highly functional milk powder products, targeted at high value market segments, and designed to meet the needs of large scale global brand owners. Demand is growing strongly for these products especially in Asia and the Middle East.
“Importantly, MATAURA VALLEY aims to provide dairy farmers in the region with further choice in terms of selling their milk. Without doubt, competition in the dairy sector is good. Our market analysis shows smaller, independent dairy companies are providing sustained, superior returns to milk suppliers at or above the industry benchmark.
“Farmers will be able to supply MATAURA VALLEY on long-term contracts at a highly competitive market price, without having to buy shares in the milk processing company.
“This means existing dairy farmers can free up capital to expand their production, pay off debt and invest elsewhere. Those farmers who convert to dairying can apply all of their resources to developing their farms without the need to raise extra capital to invest in dairy company shares.”
Mr Shelley said MATAURA VALLEY’s potential customers were excited about its plans.
“They are at the top end of the market and they are looking for suppliers like us who can deliver highly functional milk powder products of a reliable and consistent quality. This will help them, in turn, to deliver on their own growth strategies.”
MATAURA VALLEY’s proposed plant would use state-of-the-art dairy processing technology, including a custom-built drier designed and engineered in Denmark. This will be able to process up to 200 million litres of milk a year.
“We will be employing about 200 people during construction of the plant and about 45 highly skilled dairy technicians and support staff once the plant is operational.”
Mr Shelley said MATAURA VALLEY took its environmental responsibilities extremely seriously.
“We will use the best environmental management practices so we do not adversely impact on the land, air and water around us. We have investigated new technologies in Australia and Europe and we will exceed current industry standards in the sector. We plan to recycle water and use the latest energy efficient technology.”
MATAURA VALLEY was delighted by the welcome the company and its plans had already received in Southland.
“In particular, we have been heartened by the warm reception and user friendly environment afforded us by the Gore District Council. We look forward to continuing to work with the Council in a proactive manner and to talking further with local farmers and the wider community in the near future.”
Mr Shelley said MATAURA VALLEY is a joint venture between New Zealand and overseas investors who have expertise in developing and managing sophisticated projects and operations around the world.
The management team, headed by Chris Shelley and South Island businessman James Williams, is being advised by leading dairy professionals John Shaskey of Global Dairy Network and Max Parkin, former CEO of Southland Dairy Co-operative.
“We plan to build the right plant and recruit the best people to ensure we deliver on our commitments to our farmers and global customers.
“We are confident MATAURA VALLEY will be good for Gore, Southland and New Zealand. We look forward to becoming an active member of the community,” Mr Shelley said.
Ends
For further information please contact:
Chris Shelley
Chief executive
Mataura Valley Milk
Tel: 0800 468 645
Or visit our website
www.mataura.com
