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Beverage manufacturer Frucor Suntory's new $400 million manufacturing facility near Ipswich is on track for its mid-2024 opening.
Treasurer and Minister for Trade and Investment Cameron Dick visited the 17-hectare, greenfield site at Swanbank to inspect early works on the project following the recent Development Application approval last month.
"Ipswich is the perfect location for this job-creating manufacturing project," the Treasurer said.
"The New-Gen Business Park is only six kilometres from the Ipswich CBD and in close proximity to South-East Queensland's arterial road network.
"Once completed, the factory will be able to process, package, warehouse and distribute beverages for its Australian customers.
"The facility is expected to have immediate capability to produce up to 20 million cases of drinks each year, with capacity to significantly scale up in the future, as needed.
"In a boost to the local economy, around 450 construction and installation jobs will be supported through the development phase.
"Additionally, 160 long-term jobs will be created roles when the facility commences operations in mid-2024, which is great news for Ipswich and its surrounding communities."
Frucor Suntory is the Oceania subsidiary of international Japanese beverage manufacturer, Suntory Group, and manufactures and distributes brands across a wide range of beverages.
The Treasurer met with Suntory representatives on his recent overseas trade mission to discuss the project and the enduring Queensland-Japan trade and investment relationship.
"Japanese companies like Suntory recognise the clear benefits of investing in Queensland," the Treasurer said.
"This project is an incredible coup for Queensland and the already flourishing communities of Ipswich, Redbank Plains, Springfield and Ripley Valley, which will benefit from the investment and job opportunities created.
"The Queensland Government is pleased to be supporting this project and others like it through our Invested in Queensland program that is attracting significant, job-creating investment projects across the state."
Frucor Suntory CEO Darren Fullerton said the company was excited to move forward with construction and towards making the new facility a reality for Ipswich.
"It's a pleasure to stand here today and discuss our vision for the new facility and the critical role it will play in strengthening our Oceania supply chain as we cater for increasing consumer and retailer demand.
"As we take this next step, we are looking forward to partnering more closely with the local community and regional businesses.
"Vital to this project's success is partnership across all levels of government and today we thank both the Queensland Government and Ipswich City Council for supporting this project at this critical milestone," Mr Fullerton said.
Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding said the new facility demonstrated the value global companies see in Ipswich.
"Ipswich is enjoying a boom period in terms of housing, manufacturing, industry growth and a soaring population," Mayor Harding said.
"Our proximity to major arterials and rail networks, continued housing affordability and skilled workforce has established us as an attractive investment opportunity for national and international companies.
"Ipswich City Council and the Ipswich community are delighted to see this project progress, and for Frucor Suntory to become part of our thriving local economy."
Attracting new investment in Queensland is a major priority for the government with a range of investment programs available to support significant projects and create new jobs for Queenslanders.
