TOKYO: Queensland Treasurer and Japanese global drinks manufacturer Suntory discussed their major investment in a $400 million facility at Swanbank, which received development approval from Ipswich City Council today.
"Japanese companies like Suntory recognise the benefits of investing in Queensland and Queenslanders," said Mr Dick.
"This new investment in the Frucor Suntory facility shows the strength of the Queensland-Japan trade and investment relationship, now sixty years strong."
Mr Dick said, with development approval now granted, construction of the development is now set to commence in earnest.
"The development, to be located on a 17-hectare greenfield site at Swanbank, will create approximately 450 local construction and installation jobs," Mr Dick said.
"160 new long-term jobs will be created when Frucor Suntory's multi-beverage manufacturing facility becomes operational in mid-2024, which is great news for the region.
"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.
"The Palaszczuk Government is proud to be supporting this project through our Invested in Queensland program that is attracting significant, job-creating investment projects to the state."
Part of international Japanese beverage manufacturer, Suntory, Frucor Suntory manufactures and distributes across Oceania a wide range energy drinks, still, sparkling and other non-alcoholic beverages.
Frucor Suntory's CEO Darren Fullerton said critical to helping us to fulfil the growing retailer and consumer demand, we are excited about the opportunity to establish a new multi-beverage facility in Ipswich.
"With the development application now approved, we will now make the next stage of the build a reality," Mr Fullerton said.
"A huge thank you to both the Queensland Government and the Council for supporting us to achieve this vision."
Member for Bundamba Lance McCallum welcomed the important next step in the project
"Ipswich is the perfect place for high-skill, high tech manufacturing," Md McCallum said.
"Our community is ideally placed with the right workforce, logistics and transport links.
"This is another example of the Palaszczuk Labor Government delivering more jobs in more industries for our community."
Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding said she was 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 said.
"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."
Learn more about how the Queensland Government is partnering with the private sector through its investment programs to support significant projects and create new jobs for Queenslanders.
