Nestlé Australia has unveiled the final stage of a substantial three year project to expand the production capabilities of its factory at Smithtown on the NSW mid north coast.
The latest investment includes the construction of new facilities to house state-of-the-art technology, the first of its kind in Australia.
Over the last three years, around $53 million has been invested into the factory with a large majority of those funds allocated to bring production of NESCAFÉ CAFÉ MENU permanently to Smithtown following an outbreak of foot and mouth disease in South Korea in 2010.
The investment has created nearly 25 full time positions since 2011.
Nestlé Australia’s Business Executive Manager – Beverages, Evan Gongolidis, said the expansion had seen the creation of a permanent home for NESCAFÉ CAFÉ MENU.
“The decision to create this substantial investment and a long term vision for our business in Smithtown is a tribute to the region, its residents and the local economy,” he said.
“Smithtown has proved to be a wonderful home for us to produce iconic products such as MILO that have been enjoyed in the homes of generations of Australians.”
State Member for Oxley, Mr Andrew Stoner, said Nestlé had continued to show confidence in the Macleay Valley and Mid North Coast with its ongoing investment at the Smithtown factory.
“Nestlé is not only one of the biggest employers in the area but has also been in Smithtown for more than 90 years – with many more to come,” he said.
“This region will continue to be prosperous and we welcome and thank Nestlé’s continued support to our local economy.”
The factory has been operating at Smithtown since 1921 and is the birthplace of MILO, the iconic milk drink that was invented 80 years ago and has been produced at the factory ever since. The factory also manufactures NESQUIK and NESTLÉ Malted Milk
Smithtown factory at a glance:
- Nestlé has been operating at Smithtown factory since 1921.
- MILO was first produced at Smithtown following its invention by Sydney man, Thomas Mayne in 1934.
- MILO is now sold in Asia, South America and Africa.
- More than 500 million glasses of MILO are consumed in Australia every year.
