Bega, the Australian dairy firm, has announced it plans to close its plant in Burnie, Tasmania, traditionally a manufacturing site for the Betta Milk and Pyengana Dairy brands, and transfer production to another factory in Hobart.
Bega acquired the Burnie facility last year when it bought Betta Milk and Meander Valley Dairy, as well as a royalty-free license to use the Pyengana Dairy brand, from TasFoods in a A$11 million ($7.2 million) deal.
In a statement, Bega said the Burnie site was “an ageing facility that has a number of challenges including its safety and environmental impacts” and was unable to function “in a commercially sustainable way”.
Commenting on the move, Bega Group CEO Pete Findlay said: “Betta Milk has been a household name in Tasmania for over 65 years, and this move is critical to ensuring that the Betta Milk and the Pyengana milk brands will continue to be much-loved Tasmanian made brands for many years to come”.
“Bega Group is committed to continuing its strong local presence in Tasmania, through its Lenah Valley and Kings Meadows operations, sourcing milk from Tasmanian dairy farming families”, he added.
Relocation is scheduled for 18th March.
Source: Food & Drink Business / Just Food