Construction begins on $400m beverage manufacturing facility in QLD

The sod has been turned and construction is now underway on Frucor Suntory’s $400 million manufacturing facility near Ipswich, Queensland. 

This new milestone follows the Development Application approval given to the project just last month. 

“Ipswich is the perfect location for this job-creating manufacturing project. 

“The New-Gen Business Park is only six kilometres from the Ipswich CBD and in close proximity to South-East Queensland’s arterial road network,” Treasurer and Minister for Trade and Investment Cameron Dick said. 

The new manufacturing facility, once up and running, will process, package, warehouse and distribute beverages for the company’s domestic market. 

Frucor Suntory’s facility will have the capability to produce up to 20 million cases of drinks annually and, if needed, the facility will also have the capacity to significantly increase its production rate. 

“It’s a pleasure to stand here today and discuss our vision for the new facility and the critical role it will play in strengthening our Oceania supply chain as we cater for increasing consumer and retailer demand. 

“As we take this next step, we are looking forward to partnering more closely with the local community and regional businesses. 

“Vital to this project’s success is partnership across all levels of government and today we thank both the Queensland Government and Ipswich City Council for supporting this project at this critical milestone,” Frucor Suntory CEO Darren Fullerton said. 

Delivery of the new facility is expected to generate up to 450 construction and installation jobs, providing a boost to the local economy. 

The Frucor Suntory manufacturing facility is set to be operational in mid-2024 and it is projected to create about 160 long-term jobs – great news for Ipswich and its surrounding communities. 

Frucor Suntory is the subsidiary of Japanese beverage manufacturer Suntory Group in the Oceania, manufacturing and distributing brands across a range of beverages. 

“Japanese companies like Suntory recognise the clear benefits of investing in Queensland. 

“This project is an incredible coup for Queensland and the already flourishing communities of Ipswich, Redbank Plains, Springfield and Ripley Valley, which will benefit from the investment and job opportunities created. 

“The Queensland Government is pleased to be supporting this project and others like it through our Invested in Queensland program that is attracting significant, job-creating investment projects across the state,” the Treasurer said. 

According to Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding, the construction of the new manufacturing facility in the region demonstrates the value that global companies see in Ipswich. 

“Ipswich is enjoying a boom period in terms of housing, manufacturing, industry growth and a soaring population. 

“Our proximity to major arterial and rail networks, continued housing affordability and skilled workforce has established us as an attractive investment opportunity for national and international companies. 

“Ipswich City Council and the Ipswich community are delighted to see this project progress, and for Frucor Suntory to become part of our thriving local economy,” Mayor Harding said. 

Source: Queensland Government – Media Statements; Ipswich News Today; Constructor Mag