SPC Ardmona starts first phase of its $100m fruit processing plant in Shepparton, Australia

Australian fruit packing company has opened the first stage of its $100m investment programme dedicated towards modernisation of its fruit processing plant in Shepparton, Australia.

SPC Ardmona received $22m from the Victorian Government towards the project.

By upgrading the food-processing operations, SPC Ardmona is expecting to increase its domestic and global range to include consumer-ready products that have a huge market in Australia.

The project will also create 500 jobs at SPC Ardmona facility, while supporting 2,700 jobs of growers and suppliers in the fruit processing plant in Shepparton.

The company also introduced a high-speed snacking line, which is designed to deliver any of SPC’s food products in cup format.

Products from the facility will be prepared through a gentler cooking process that will facilitate production of high quality products.

According to the company, its new SPC Snack Line is expected to drastically improve quality of its products and innovation capabilities.

SPC chief financial officer James Harvey said: "Today we celebrate the completion of our new snack line. The $100m co-investment between our parent company Coca-Cola Amatil and the Victorian Government, has been put to work to drive new product innovation."

The company highlighted that it has come up with a brand, SPC ProVital, which is dedicated towards providing high quality product for people with special needs especially those who have difficulty in swallowing food or has problem opening packages.

SPC incoming managing director Reg Weine said: "Our $100m investment programme will continue to build SPC’s capability and capacity as we transition to a modern branded food business."