An international company has invested R140 million in a new evaporator dryer powder plant facility at its cheese manufacturing plant in Bonnievale to produce a dry milk powder successfully.
Lactalis’s Bonnievale factory, one of the biggest cheese factories on the continent and currently provides employment to 800 people.
“This investment further demonstrates the continued commitment by Lactalis to strengthen its business in South Africa,” says Alban Damour, general manager of Lactalis South Africa. “The business remains focused on finding innovative business solutions that enable the production of high-quality food products while creating employment and making a difference in the communities in which we operate.”
The purpose of the evaporator dryer plant is to remove water efficiently from milk to produce a dry powder that has a longer shelf life, is easily transportable and can be used in a variety of applications. The drying process is also carefully controlled to ensure the dried milk powder is of high quality and standard.
“The Western Cape Government is deeply committed to working with Lactalis SA to make it as easy as possible to do business here,” said the MEC for economic development, Mireille Wenger, “so we can continue to thrive and expand, boosting economic growth and supporting more jobs for the residents of the Western Cape and of South Africa.”
Ivan Meyer, the MEC for Agriculture, also attended the opening and welcomed the investment, saying it creates business and consumer confidence.
“Agriculture is the most dominant sector in the five districts of the Western Cape. It drives the economy and creates jobs.” he said. “The agriculture sector was the largest contributing subsector in the primary sector, contributing 8,7% of Cape Winelands district’s general data protection regulation (GDPR) in 2020.”
Commenting on behalf of Group Lactalis, Diego Puerta, senior vice-president for Asia, Oceania and the African region, reinforced the commitment that the multinational company has made to the country.
“The company invests millions into South Africa annually because we believe in this country,” he said. “We will continue to invest and find solutions to enable us to do business in South Africa.”
The new evaporator dryer plant will significantly boost skimmed milk production capacity. Skimmed milk powder (SMP) is a versatile ingredient that is used in a range of food products, including baked goods, confectionery, dairy products and processed foods. It contains essential nutrients such as protein and calcium.
