Haigh’s, the renowned South Australian family-owned chocolate business, has unveiled plans for its upcoming $130 million Salisbury South manufacturing facility.
This venture stands as the single most significant infrastructure investment in the company’s history, paving the way for extensive expansion and growth, the company said in a news release.
Chief Executive Alister Haigh highlighted that the project marks a major achievement for Haigh’s, doubling the current chocolate production capacity and enabling the company to fulfil rising demand.
“It positions us to meet growing demand, explore interstate opportunities, and venture into new markets,” Haigh noted.
Set to commence later this month, the state-of-the-art facility is expected to be fully operational by the second half of 2025.
During the growth phase, the facility will host up to 400 employees, with the creation of approximately 150 new jobs.
Chief Operating Officer Peter Millard envisions broader employment growth, stating, “This project will not only create immediate opportunities but will also foster employment growth across our national retail business, generating up to 250 new jobs in the medium and long term.”
The expansive 36,000m2 site will include 9,000m2 for new production facilities and 6,000m2 for warehousing and online fulfilment.
A significant portion of the project investment, $36 million, will be dedicated to acquiring state-of-the-art European-made equipment, including specialized panning, enrobing, and moulding lines, as well as kitchen and packing equipment complementing the artisan chocolate-making capabilities.
CIP Constructions, in collaboration with BELL Architects, has been entrusted with overseeing the development.
Mark Hendry, CEO of CIP Constructions, anticipates the project’s early stages, mentioning, “Today commemorates the start of construction on what will surely become one of Adelaide’s premium industrial facilities.”
“Early works set to get underway include bulk earthworks and inground services before standing steel in early 2024,” Hendry stated.
Haigh’s, with over a century of history, currently employs more than 800 people.
While the new facility aims to double chocolate production, the existing manufacturing sites in Mile End and Parkside will continue to serve as Haigh’s Head Office, artisan chocolate production hub, and Visitor Centre.
With 21 stores across Adelaide, Sydney, Melbourne, and Canberra, as well as an online presence, Haigh’s is poised for continued success and expansion.
