Friday, 08 December 2017 09:15

Synlait plant doubles capacity

Written by 

Milk processor Synlait has opened a new $37 million Wetmix kitchen, doubling infant formula production at its Dunsandel plant.

The kitchen will enable Synlait to simultaneously run both its large-scale infant formula spray dryers, doubling infant production from 40,000 tonnes to 80,000t per year.

“We were at the point where our current Wetmix facility was at capacity and our consumer demand was continuing to grow," said John Penno, Synlait's managing director. "This new Wetmix kitchen will relieve that pressure."

The kitchen is at the core of the production process. It mixes dry ingredients (dairy proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals) into the liquid milk; that mixture is then dried into infant formula base powder. Mixing the dry ingredients into the liquid milk before drying ensures a superior blend quality.

“We’re happy with how the build went,” says Penno. “It was a smooth process completed on time and within budget, without the need to alter our day-to-day operations.”

More like this

Asset sale 'won't be easy'

Troubled milk processor Synlait Milk won’t find it easy to offload under-utilised South Island assets.

Synlait could sell milk plant, canning facility

A poor half-year financial result is forcing listed Canterbury milk processor Synlait to carry out “a strategic review” of its North Island assets, including its new plant at Pokeno and blending and canning facility in Auckland.

Featured

Feds back Fast-Track Approval Bill

Federated Farmers is throwing its support behind the Fast-track Approvals Bill introduced by the Coalition Government to enable a fast-track decision-making process for infrastructure and development projects.

Machinery builder in liquidation

In what appears to be a casualty of the downturn in the agricultural sector, a well-known machinery brand is now in the hands of liquidators and owing creditors $6.6 million.

Two hemispheres tied together through cows

One of New Zealand’s deepest breeder Jersey herds – known for its enduring connection through cattle with the UK’s longest reigning monarch, Queen Elizabeth II – will host its 75th anniversary celebration sale on-farm on April 22.

National

Frontline biosecurity 'untouchable'

Biosecurity Minister Andrew Hoggard has reiterated that 'frontline' biosecurity services within Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) will not be cut…

Machinery & Products

New name, new ideas

KGM New Zealand, is part of the London headquartered Inchcape Group, who increased its NZ presence in August 2023 with…

All-terrain fert spreading mode

Effluent specialists the Samson Group have developed a new double unloading system to help optimise uphill and downhill organic fertiliser…

» Latest Print Issues Online

Milking It

Plant-based bubble bursts

OPINION: Talking about plant-based food: “Chicken-free chicken” start-up Sunfed has had its valuation slashed to zero by major investor Blackbird…

» Connect with Dairy News

» eNewsletter

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter