What Would Synlait Be Worth to Fonterra or a2 Milk?
Speculation of a possible joint move by Fonterra and a2 Milk to buy Synlait raises a much bigger strategic question, says agribusiness expert Dr Nic Lees.
Developed in partnership with Dutch cheese manufacturer A-ware Food Group, the plant is located on a 25ha site in the northern Netherlands town of Heerenveen.
The new plant produces whey and lactose specialty ingredients for use in high-value paediatric, maternal, and sports nutrition products by Fonterra and its global customers.
Chief executive Theo Spierings says the new plant forms part of Fonterra’s fully integrated global supply chain from the farm gate direct to global consumers, which will use Fonterra’s milk pools and manufacturing sites in New Zealand, Australia, and Europe.
“The commissioning of our new plant in Heerenveen further strengthens our ability to deliver high quality, advanced dairy nutrition that meets the needs of our priority markets and global customers,” he says.
“Fonterra has substantial intellectual property in the manufacture of functional whey protein ingredients and had been looking for some time for a source of high quality whey to enable us to commercialise these innovations.
“Our partnership with A-ware Food Group fits well with our strategic priorities aimed at increasing the volume and value of our ingredients and branded products.”
Fonterra regional director for ingredients in Europe, Middle East, Africa, Russia & CIS (EMEA), Hans Huistra says the plant’s location and capacity would enable Fonterra to better serve its European and global customer base.
The new plant will produce 5000 metric tonnes of whey protein and 25,000 metric tonnes of lactose annually. It will operate around the clock: 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. About 50 new employees currently work for Fonterra at the site.
