Synlait opens infant formula plant in New Zealand

New Zealand-based dairy company Synlait has opened an infant formula plant in Dunsandel, Christchurch, New Zealand, with an investment of NZ$100m (US$75.20m).

The facility, which is expected to create 120 jobs, will cater to the growing demand for high-value formulated milk powders and will also export infant formula products to China.

Chinese dairy company Bright Dairy invested NZ$82m (US$61m) in 2010 to acquire a 51% controlling stake in Synlait.

While China is the primary market for Synlait, it expects to export its dairy products to more than five countries by mid-2012.

Synlait sources milk from 38 farms, with nearly 32,000 cows, in the Ashburton district and its product range includes infant and adult nutritional formulations, functional food ingredients and specialised milk powder products.