AUSTRALIA | Nestlé Australia has unveiled a new AUD 30 million investment in its Campbellfield factory in Victoria, the home of KitKat.
The state-of-the-art technology will bring digital and AI capabilities that will improve the iconic KitKat wafer and enable further KitKat innovation while also supporting an increased production capacity.
Nestlé General Manager Confectionery, Andrew Lawrey shared that the investment was a testament to Nestlé’s ongoing support for local manufacturing and to delivering new and delicious flavours for consumers.
“KitKat fans love to see new ways to break – and the new technology we have installed in our factory allows us to create new flavours and fillings, textures and tastes,” said Lawrey.
“Part of the investment is a new wafer oven, which will enhance the entire KitKat range by improving our wafer quality. We’re excited that this new technology will help us to deliver a crispier, more consistent ‘snap’ – the iconic break that KitKat is famous for.”
He added that there was a slight change in the wafer size as the moulds compatible with the new technology were smaller, which would make the KitKat 4 Finger bar move from 45g to 42g.
In addition to unlocking production capacity and innovation capabilities, greater automation in the factory will also increase safety.
“The safety of our team is our top priority. By investing in automation, we can significantly reduce manual handling, making the job safer for our operators. We will also be able to minimise food and packaging waste.”
Lawrey said that KitKat Australia had a long history of making delicious products in its Campbellfield factory, and with this investment, they looked forward to a long future.
One of the first products to be made using the new technology was KitKat Neapolitan, due on shelves in Australia in January and New Zealand in February.
The Nestlé factory in Campbellfield employed more than 400 people. It made several Australians’ favourite chocolate brands, including KitKat, Aero, Smarties, Milkybar, Chokito and baking products Bakers’ Choice and Plaistowe.
