New VAP facility opens

Federal Minister for Employment, Eric Abetz and Deputy Premier and Minister for Primary Industries and Water, Jeremy Rockliff opened the new facility alongside Huon founders Peter and Frances Bender.

Chief Executive Officer and Co-founder of Huon Aquaculture, Peter Bender said the opening marked a major milestone for Huon by bringing our value added processing operations to Tasmania for the first time.

“This Smokehouse and Product Innovation Centre is part of a four-year, $160 million Controlled Growth Strategy for the company which is delivering increased production capacity and efficiency whilst reducing our environmental footprint,” said Mr Bender.

Around 100 jobs were created during the construction of the facility and it has opened with 70 new employees already on board.

“We have always believed that Tasmanians have the skills and ability to grow an industry that leads the world in innovation and we are committed to investing in the region and the people who live here, either through direct employment or the use of Tasmanian firms.

Mr Bender said that the construction of the new facility utilised over 100 local contractors from when the project started in March last year.

Executive Director and Co-founder, Frances Bender said the new Smokehouse and Product Innovation Centre is one of the most advanced in the world and will greatly assist Huon in its innovative approach to product development.

“The reputation and demand for Tasmanian produce is growing continuously, both within Australia and through international markets,” said Mrs Bender.

“This facility is a crucial step in ensuring we are taking the highest quality,  innovative products to market, all proudly carrying the Tasmanian brand.”