A $400 million dollar drinks factory, set to create hundreds of jobs in the region, has been given the green light by Ipswich City Council.
Japanese company Suntory, which manufactures and distributes a wide range energy drinks, still, sparkling and other non-alcoholic beverages, will build the Frucor Suntory development on a 17-hectare greenfield site at Swanbank.
Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding says she’s excited about the investment in the region by the world-leading beverage company and the opportunity for local jobs.
“Ipswich City Council and the Ipswich community are delighted to welcome Frucor Suntory with its new manufacturing facility to be constructed in Swanbank,” Mayor Harding says.
“This project will deliver hundreds of local jobs; about 450 during the initial construction phase and another 160 long-term roles when it starts operating from 2024.
“It shows there are significant benefits to global companies establishing their facilities in the city and being part of the local economy.”
State Treasurer Cameron Dick says the development shows the strength of the Queensland-Japan trade and investment relationship.
Mr Dick says now that approval has been granted, construction of the Frucor Suntory development can commence in earnest.
“The communities of Ipswich, Redbank Plains, Springfield and Ripley Valley are flourishing, and so too are the job opportunities, with companies like Frucor Suntory choosing to establish large scale operations here,” Mr Dick says.
Frucor Suntory’s CEO Darren Fullerton says they’re excited to establish a new multi-beverage facility in Ipswich, which will be critical to helping meet growing retailer and consumer demand.
