Hilton Foods Australia has unveiled its new state-of-the-art meat processing and distribution facility in Heathwood set to provide around 650 new jobs and supply 450 Woolworths stores.
“This is one of the most innovative facilities of its kind in the world and a real showpiece of advanced food manufacturing in Queensland,” Minister for State Development and Manufacturing Cameron Dick said.
“Workers will operate robotics and man 23 state-of-the-art production lines to provide packaged meat and vegan products to Woolworths supermarkets locally and interstate.
“Brisbane’s central location, excellent transport network and Queensland’s highly trained workforce were all factors in HFA’s decision to bring their operations to Heathwood.
“Our government is pleased to have worked with HFA to help facilitate the move, and we welcome the jobs that have come with it.”
Photo credit: The State of Queensland (Department of the Premier and Cabinet) 1997-2019 / statements.qld.gov.au
The new facility, which will be in full production in 2020, features solar installation capable of generating 2,800MWh per annum that can supply about 50% of the site’s total energy needs.
Hilton Foods Australia – Heathwood will also be able to save 170MWh of energy a year by utilising its refrigeration compressors to harness heat with an automated heat recovery system that will see 100,000L of water heated per day.
“It will boast the second largest rooftop photovoltaic solar installation in Australia, consisting of 6000 solar panels,” Minister for Environment and Member for Algester Leeanne Enoch said.
“This facility is not only setting new sustainable building standards but is bringing jobs to our region with potential for more, which is fantastic.”
“The majority of workers here live locally, so they will shop local and support great local businesses along the supply chain,” Member for Jordan Charis Mullen said.
“This is another great manufacturing facility in Queensland that will help strengthen the sector and shore up our state’s economic future.”
Describing the new facility as a big milestone, Hilton Foods Australia CEO Pat McEntee said that they are “proud to be joining the local community in Heathwood and contributing to economic growth with new employment opportunities and service contracts.”
Underpinned by its long-term supply partnership with Woolworths, the facility will produce top-quality fresh meat products and improve stock availability for more than 450 Woolworths stores from northern NSW to Far North Queensland.
“We value our partnership with Woolworths and look forward to assisting in developing a faster and fresher supply of high-quality meat and value-added products.
“We also wish to acknowledge and thank both Brisbane City Council and the Queensland Government for their support in commissioning our Heathwood site,” Mr McEntee said.
“It’s really pleasing to see our long-term supply relationship with Hilton Foods Australia underpin this important new investment and job creation in Queensland,” Woolworths Director of Fresh Food Paul Harker said.
“We’re fortunate to source our fresh meat from the best Australian producers, and it’s important we uphold the quality of their product from paddock to plate.
“The opening of this state-of-the-art facility in Heathwood will help us deliver a consistently great fresh meat offer.
“It will also improve stock availability for our Queensland customers each and every day.”