Fonterra has started producing first batches of whole milk powder using the newly installed milk powder drier at its plant in Darfield.
The milk powder will be exported to more than 20 markets worldwide including the Middle East, China and Southeast Asia.
First production run using the new drier marks the completion of New Zealand-based dairy giant's $500m development of its Darfield site over the past three years.
Fonterra logistics network director Robert Spurway said that at the peak of the season, the drier will run 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It will produce more than 700MT - the equivalent of 45 shipping containers - each day.
"Drier Two will ensure that Fonterra has the capacity to meet this demand and to process ongoing milk growth in Canterbury, the fastest growing dairy region in New Zealand," Spurway added.
"The new drier will help the Co-operative meet the growing demand for dairy nutrition globally and will play an important role in Fonterra's strategy to optimise its New Zealand milk business.
"With Drier Two now online at Darfield we are taking fresh milk, from farms within a 65 kilometre radius from the site, and have successfully completed our first production run of whole milk powder."
The milk powder will be exported to more than 20 markets worldwide including the Middle East, China and Southeast Asia.
First production run using the new drier marks the completion of New Zealand-based dairy giant's $500m development of its Darfield site over the past three years.
Fonterra logistics network director Robert Spurway said that at the peak of the season, the drier will run 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It will produce more than 700MT - the equivalent of 45 shipping containers - each day.
"Drier Two will ensure that Fonterra has the capacity to meet this demand and to process ongoing milk growth in Canterbury, the fastest growing dairy region in New Zealand," Spurway added.
"The new drier will help the Co-operative meet the growing demand for dairy nutrition globally and will play an important role in Fonterra's strategy to optimise its New Zealand milk business.
"With Drier Two now online at Darfield we are taking fresh milk, from farms within a 65 kilometre radius from the site, and have successfully completed our first production run of whole milk powder."
