RIDLEY Corporation is planning to build a second feed mill in Bendigo as it seeks to expand its production of products for the pig and poultry industries.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The company has started a $300,000 feasibility study on a number of sites in the City of Greater Bendigo.
The 160,000 tonne per annum capacity of the existing mill based at the Barastoc site on Charleston Road has been exceeded.
Ridley describes the planned feed mill as “state of the art”, and similar to one under construction at Lara which will be complete in early 2017.
The growth in demand for products from pig, egg and broiler farmers is also behind the decision to build a second feed mill in Bendigo.
Ridley managing director and chief executive officer Tim Hart said the new mill is an important component of its “asset renewal” strategy.
“Concurrent with the site evaluation process, we are working hard to secure the planning approvals and customer commitments to support a positive decision to proceed with the project,” he said.
“We remain excited about having a greater presence to support the growing pig and poultry livestock region and about generating new employment in the Bendigo region.”
The scale of the new feed mill, its cost, the number of jobs created and a timeline for construction will be determined during the feasibility study phase, a Ridley spokesperson said.
The company announced its plans to build a new feed mill in Lara in September 2015, with a capacity to produce 250,000 tonnes of pig and poultry feed.
City of Greater Bendigo economic development manager Brian Gould said the new mill would be a boost for the local economy.
“The city’s economic development unit has worked closely with Ridley’s senior management to facilitate the move,” he said.
“The company’s decision will guarantee existing jobs and provide more jobs and new investment for greater Bendigo.”