Frucor Suntory to build $400m factory in Qld

Frucor Suntory is set to construct a $400 million facility in Ipswich, Queensland, with support from the state government.

The multi-beverage facility is set to have the capacity to produce 20 million cases of drinks annually. Occupying a 17-hectare greenfield site in Swanbank’s New-Gen Business Park in Ipswich, the construction of the site will see around 450 jobs created by 2023/24, with 160 expected to work in the factory upon its completion around mid-2024.

“Building on our strong manufacturing capabilities in New Zealand, this investment in Queensland recognises the growth trajectory we believe is possible for our business,” said Frucor Suntory CEO Darren Fullerton.

“Pending approvals, we’re planning to start early work construction in the third quarter of this year and commence operations in mid-2024.

“Frucor Suntory is excited to be establishing this permanent facility in Ipswich and we thank the Queensland Government for partnering with us to make this possible.”

The multi-beverage facility will include beverage processing, packaging, warehousing and distribution functions and will give Frucor Suntory, headquartered in New Zealand, a strengthened business footprint in Australia.

“We see outstanding growth opportunities and world-class talent across the Oceania region and this facility plays a critical role in realising our plans,” said Taka Sanno, Suntory Beverage & Food APAC CEO. “In line with our Suntory ‘Growing for Good’ vision, we want the new facility to set a benchmark for our investment into sustainable technologies to drive efficiency and minimise our carbon footprint.”

The factory is a coup for the Queensland Government, with the state having beaten out bids from other countries and states.

“It’s an incredible coup for our state that an international company of the calibre of Suntory, that has a global workforce of over 40,000, has chosen Queensland ahead of others to establish a permanent manufacturing facility here,” Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said.

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