Australia: Nestle to invest A$30 million to upgrade KitKat factory

Nestle, the Swiss consumer goods giant, has announced an investment of A$30 million ($18.9 million) in digital technology and artificial intelligence (AI) at its Campbellfield factory in the Australian state of Victoria to upgrade manufacturing operations and support increased production capacity, especially for KitKat chocolate wafers.

Commenting on the move, Nestle general manager confectionery Andrew Lawrey said: “Part of the investment is a new wafer oven, which will enhance the entire KitKat range by improving our wafer quality. We’re excited that this new technology will help us to deliver a crispier, more consistent ‘snap’ – the iconic break that KitKat is famous for”.

The first product to be manufactured using the new technology is KitKat Neapolitan, expected to arrive on shelves in Australia in January.

The Nestle factory in Campbellfield employs more than 400 people and manufactures goods for the Aero, Smarties, Milkybar, Chokito, Bakers’ Choice and Plaistowe brands in addition to KitKat.

Source: Nestle