Nestlé plans AUD32m upgrade for Smithtown Milo production
Nestlé’s Smithtown investment will upgrade Milo production and add a new building. Earlier coffee and packaging projects form part of the factory’s development.
Nestlé Australia has announced an AUD32 million upgrade to Milo production at its Smithtown factory. The project will introduce new manufacturing technology and increase production capacity, with completion targeted for the end of 2024. A new building will house Milo production. The investment brings spending at the site to approximately AUD80 million over the past decade, alongside earlier projects for coffee mixes and product development.
Production and construction plans
Factory manager James Garley expects the project to inject an estimated AUD20 million into the local economy over the following twelve months and support almost 200 jobs during construction. The factory already employs more than 200 people. Its product range includes Milo, Nesquik, Nescafé mixes and Malted Milk. Garley described continued investment in upgrades as part of Nestlé's commitment to manufacturing these products locally.
Earlier packaging investment
In January 2023, Nestlé Professional announced a separate AUD2.5 million investment at Smithtown to support collaborative product development. Its partnership with 7-Eleven produced a recyclable Hot Chockee cup. The cup, label and foil seal were accepted through kerbside recycling under the arrangements described at that time. The partners expected the change could keep up to 95 tonnes of waste out of landfill each year.
Development of the cup format
The packaging project supported changes to the container while retaining the Hot Chockee product. Nestlé Professional forecast production of up to 4.7 million cups over the twelve months following its January 2023 announcement. Those figures were prospective production and waste estimates.
A history of beverage manufacturing
Smithtown has been a Nestlé manufacturing location since 1921. In November 2014, the company unveiled the final stage of a three-year expansion that added facilities and manufacturing technology for Nescafé Café Menu. Around AUD53 million had been invested across the preceding three years. Nearly 25 full-time positions had been created since 2011 as that earlier programme developed.
The factory has also produced Milo since 1934. The 2014 factory portfolio included:
- Milo;
- Nescafé Café Menu;
- Nesquik;
- Nestlé Malted Milk.
Company and contacts
Nestlé Australia Ltd
Smithtown Factory, Rawson Street, Smithtown NSW 2440
Telephone: +61 2 6560 4000
https://www.nestle.com.au/en/aboutus/contact-us
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