Meadow Mushrooms said it will invest $45 million in a previously signalled expansion of its production facilities at Norwood and Wilmers Rd on the outskirts of Christchurch.The company said earlier this week that 160 jobs will go at its sites in Morrinsvi
Meadow Mushrooms said it will invest $45 million in a previously signalled expansion of its production facilities at Norwood and Wilmers Rd on the outskirts of Christchurch.
The company said earlier this week that 160 jobs will go at its sites in Morrinsville as it expands in Canterbury.
Chief executive Roger Young said new technology involved in the expansion will see composting moved into specialist buildings designed to capture and treat any contaminants.
All key processes will be computer controlled. The level of recycling will be enhanced with ammonia gas converted to a nutrient input and all waste water returned to the process.
"Rainwater will also be collected from roofs and hard-stand areas for use in the composting process to ensure we become the most environmentally-sensitive farming industry in the country."
The expansion will make the company one of the largest employers in the Canterbury region.
The business was established in Cyprus in 1968 by former senior politician Philip Burdon and his business partner Roger Giles. Both men invested $17,000 in 1970 and the company now employs more than 500 people.
"At its inception Meadow Mushrooms was mocked as a ridiculous pipe dream and it's certainly not been a one-way success story," said Mr Burdon, who is chairman.
"Now, however, the company can legitimately claim to have established one of the largest and most sophisticated agri-business in the country for which we can be very proud."
