Fonterra’s Studholme site on track for first advanced proteins to come off the line in 2026
Source: DairyNews.today
Following Fonterra's announcement in August 2024 to invest $75 million into its Studholme site in the South Island and transform it into a hub for high-value advanced proteins, construction is progressing well and remains on budget.
A key milestone has been reached with the foundations and walls of the new processing building extension now complete.
February will see the arrival of large equipment used for powder milling, followed by work to make the building’s exterior envelope watertight in April. Construction of external processing equipment such as new powder storage bins, batching tanks, and a high-pressure pump has also begun and will continue through to March.
Work is underway on process modifications including a dryer safety upgrade and Powder Mill installation, along with tie-in connections including steam, water and air, and product interfaces including high-pressure feed lines and a connection to the powder transfer system. This has led to increased activity on-site, through the addition of multiple local contractors from Timaru supporting this phase of the project.
Fonterra’s Studholme Site Manager, Alan Maitland says the site is buzzing with activity as the project moves through its key stages.
“It’s exciting to see this expansion starting to take shape. We’re making great progress, and once completed, this new plant will be a significant step forward for both the site and the Co-op in delivering high-value advanced proteins for our global customers.
“The expansion not only strengthens the site’s role within Fonterra’s site network and creates six new roles on-site, but also sends a strong signal about the site’s importance to the Co-op’s future, reinforcing its position as a key player in high-value dairy ingredient production.”
February will see the arrival of large equipment used for powder milling, followed by work to make the building’s exterior envelope watertight in April. Construction of external processing equipment such as new powder storage bins, batching tanks, and a high-pressure pump has also begun and will continue through to March.
Work is underway on process modifications including a dryer safety upgrade and Powder Mill installation, along with tie-in connections including steam, water and air, and product interfaces including high-pressure feed lines and a connection to the powder transfer system. This has led to increased activity on-site, through the addition of multiple local contractors from Timaru supporting this phase of the project.
Fonterra’s Studholme Site Manager, Alan Maitland says the site is buzzing with activity as the project moves through its key stages.
“It’s exciting to see this expansion starting to take shape. We’re making great progress, and once completed, this new plant will be a significant step forward for both the site and the Co-op in delivering high-value advanced proteins for our global customers.
“The expansion not only strengthens the site’s role within Fonterra’s site network and creates six new roles on-site, but also sends a strong signal about the site’s importance to the Co-op’s future, reinforcing its position as a key player in high-value dairy ingredient production.”
