Australian dairy co-op Norco will kickstart production at its Lismore ice cream factory with a $ 30 million factory upgrade starting this month.
The investment, which is expected to increase ice production by an additional 20 million liters per year, will enable Norco to meet current demand for its popular backcountry ice cream range while also making room for new production lines and further expansion in the years to come.
Michael Hampson, CEO of Norco, says the modernization of the factory shows Norco's commitment to building a sustainable future for the cooperative's farmers.
“As our largest commercial investment to date, modernizing the factory will allow us to double our commitment to delivering value to our farmers while supporting the region's future with greater long-term employment opportunities,” he says.
“The demand for our ice cream making services has really increased in recent years and the new facility will allow us to expand our manufacturing capabilities to meet the needs of our current customers, attract new customers, and produce special ones at the same time and innovative flavors without affecting the delivery of our core lines. "
Norco launched its Hinterland premium ice cream range just last year and is already seeing massive demand for its local product, which is now available in eleven flavors in Woolworths stores across the country.
“Our farmers have proven time and time again that they can get the highest quality milk even in difficult environmental conditions, with complex products at the right price,” says Hampson.
The modernization of Norco's factory was carried out with support from both federal and local governments, with the dairy cooperative receiving a $ 15 million grant for the project as part of a large program aimed at growth in regional areas.
The first phase of construction is currently underway and is expected to be completed in the second half of next year.
