Construction is underway on a state-of-the-art, nut processing factory in Bundaberg following business partnership
April 12, 2011
Construction is underway on a new, state-of-the-art, nut processing factory and laboratory in Bundaberg following a partnership between two macadamia companies.
Australia’s largest processor of macadamia nuts, the Macadamia Processing Company (MPC), based in northern NSW, has joined forces with Consolidated Nuts Australia (CNA) in Queensland, with MPC acquiring 50 percent of the company.
CNA (trading as Pacific Gold) operates the only macadamia processing plant in the rapidly-growing macadamia region of Bundaberg in southern Queensland, which is expected to produce about 40 percent of Australia’s macadamia nuts within five years.
Together, the two regions of northern NSW and Bundaberg will account for about 80 percent of Australia’s macadamia nuts by 2015.
The new factory, due to be completed later this year, will enable CNA to service the growing Bundaberg macadamia industry – with production set to double from 10,000 tonnes per annum to 20,000 tonnes per annum in five years.
The factory will also provide an expanded processing service to Bundaberg growers and greater laboratory support, and will use the latest technology and equipment to lower processing costs.
MPC Chairman Chris Ford says the investment in CNA means his processing company can better provide customers with a reliable, high-quality supply of macadamias.
“At MPC we’re not just a processor – we have the goals, leadership and drive to ably steer the macadamia industry into the future,” Ford says.
“That’s what we are doing with this investment, and we believe our contribution enhances both companies’ reputation as quality players and leaders in the macadamia industry,” he says.
The other half of Consolidated Nuts (Australia) continues to be owned by the Australian-based company Capital Commercial, which is owned by the largest growers of macadamia nuts in Australia.
The company has substantial plantings at Hinkler Park Plantation in the Bundaberg region, Victoria Park Plantation in Northern NSW and Barberton Valley Plantation in the South African Province of Mpumalanga.
The new facility in Bundaberg will replace the existing CNA factory, located just outside the township at Winfield.
It is anticipated this factory will operate at full capacity during the current 2011 season.