Australia’s oldest family-owned chocolate maker, Haigh’s Chocolates, has officially opened its new AUD 120 million production, warehouse and online fulfilment facility in South Australia as it prepares to increase chocolate production.
The 18,000m2 state-of-the-art facility located in Salisbury South has been built to support the business's ongoing expansion and plans for wider distribution.
Currently producing 1,100 tonnes of chocolate to fulfil the needs of its 22 retail and online stores, the new facility will allow for future growth, including increasing production to 2,000 tonnes of chocolate per year.
Representing the biggest investment in its 110-year history, CEO Peter Millard recognised the significance of this milestone for Haigh’s.
“The Salisbury South Complex is a significant physical manifestation of a company-wide investment in people, systems and capabilities over the last four years," said Millard.
"This opening recognises the completion of our chocolate capacity building phase, the continuing growth of our retail network in the eastern states and the meeting of increasing demand for our chocolate."
With its Broadway store officially opening in Sydney recently, the South Australian-owned and operated business remains steadfast in its commitment and ambitions to delight chocolate lovers across the country.
“In the last five months alone, we celebrated our 110th anniversary, opened our seventh store in Sydney and appointed a new CEO; it’s been an exciting time for the business, and I am so proud to see the love for our chocolates continue to span all generations,” said owner and Brand Ambassador, Alister Haigh.
Powered by 1,180 solar panels featuring 1.7km of chocolate delivery pipes and over 5km of linear storage space, the new facility will accommodate up to 400 employees, including the creation of approximately 100 new jobs across production, warehousing and fulfilment in the next five years.
As part of the development, Haigh’s invested AUD 30 million in the installation of advanced equipment, which includes the introduction of specialised panning, enrobing and moulding lines as well as kitchen and packing equipment that complements its artisan chocolate making capabilities.
Haigh’s has grown substantially over its 110-year history, now employing more than 900 people with 22 stores across Adelaide, Sydney, Melbourne, Canberra and online.
