Simplot Australia is pleased to announce that a $12 million Australian government grant has been secured for the expansion of Simplot’s potato processing plant in Ulverstone Tasmania.
The funding will be met by Simplot’s own $39.3 million investment for a total project cost of $51.3 million.
Simplot Australia has been a key economic contributor to Ulverstone for more than 20 years and this significant investment ensures the long term viability of the plant. It also provides security for the 320 employees and 165 local growers that supply more than 300,000 tonnes of potatoes each year to the plant.
The expansion of the site will see Simplot increase production capacity over the next decade, driving a projected growth of $164 million into the local economy over the same period.
Graham Dugdale, Managing Director of Simplot Australia, said the expansion of our Ulverstone facility is an investment in the future that will allow us to meet market demands and create continued employment opportunities for the region.
“The north-west Tasmanian economy is largely reliant on agriculture and Simplot is a significant supporter of Tasmanian potato growers. Our people and our farmers who supply us are passionate about what we do and this grant will benefit not only our business but the wider Tasmanian economy.
This investment will ensure Simplot’s Ulverstone facility remains competitive in a changing market place where consumption patterns are changing and international competition is intensifying,” Mr Dugdale said.
