Following Fonterra's announcement in August 2024 to invest NZD 75 million in the South Island, construction has been progressing well and has remained on budget.
A key milestone has been reached at its Studholme site as the foundations and walls of the new processing building extension have now been completed. The site will soon become a hub for high-value advanced proteins.
The arrival of large equipment used for powder milling will be in February. In April, work will begin to make the building’s exterior envelope watertight.
Construction of external processing equipment, such as new powder storage bins, batching tanks, and a high-pressure pump, has also begun and will continue through March.
Work is underway on process modifications, including a dryer safety upgrade and powder mill installation, along with tie-in connections, steam, water, and air, as well as product interfaces, including high-pressure feed lines and a connection to the powder transfer system.
This has led to increased on-site activity by adding multiple local contractors from Timaru to support this project phase.
Fonterra’s Studholme Site Manager, Alan Maitland, said the site has been buzzing with activity as the project moves through its key stages.
“It’s exciting to see this expansion starting to take shape. We’re making great progress, and once completed, this new plant will be a significant step forward for both the site and the Co-op in delivering high-value advanced proteins for our global customers,” said Maitland.
“The expansion not only strengthens the site’s role within Fonterra’s site network and creates six new roles on-site but also sends a strong signal about the site’s importance to the Co-op’s future, reinforcing its position as a key player in high-value dairy ingredient production.”
