Business Central September 2021

36 | “The facility is a positive step for us in terms of Wattie’s pet food manufacturing capabilities in Hastings.and the upgrade reflects our commitment to champion New Zealand made products and the benefits this brings to the local economy.” Hi-tech upgrade set to lift capacity T T Richard Loader REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT Central Hawke’s Bay: Heinz Watties T T to page 38 P ositioning itself for future growth in the pet food industry Wattie’s has complet- ed a multi-million dollar upgrade of its Hastings pet food-manufacturing site. Located in Tomoana, Hastings, the pet food manufacturing facility produces one of New Zealand’s leading household cat food brands Chef® as well as other pet food brands Gourmet®, Champ® and a range of pet food products for export. Wattie’s has operated the manufacturing facility at Tomoana for more than 20 years. The main focus of the upgrade was an investment in a new canning retort capability designed to increase reliability and produc- tivity through state-of-the-art equipment that will underpin growth within the category by providing the means and space to substantial- ly scale-up production. The new facility increases Wattie’s pet food manufacturing footprint by nearly 1650 square metres. Neil Heffer, Managing Director of Heinz Wattie’s Limited says the upgraded facility will use ultra-efficient, highly automated thermal processing equipment that will provide the means and space for Wattie’s to scale-up production in a substantial way. “The facility is a positive step for us in terms of Wattie’s pet food manufacturing capabili- ties in Hastings and the upgrade reflects our commitment to champion New Zealand made products and the benefits this brings to the local economy. “Wattie’s is proudly one of the largest pro- ducers of canned pet food in New Zealand. “On a wider scale these types of invest- ments in modern manufacturing technology contribute towards the opportunities for a broad range of local businesses in Hawke’s Bay.” Chef® is a pioneering brand that has been loved by Kiwis and their pets for more than 50 years — Catisfaction Guaranteed! “We are proud of the heritage of the Chef brand and this significant investment in its future is affirmation that we will continue producing pet food for Kiwi cats and dogs for many years to come. “T“he pet food market in New Zealand is growing as are opportunities for our export pet food business. ATI ENGINEERING LTD Proud to be associated with Heinz Watties