A $23 million Treasury Wine Estate expansion is expected to see a 150 new positions created in its Barossa operations.
The group’s Wolf Blass winery and packaging facility at Nuriootpa will be upgraded and is expected to bring in 30 new full-time jobs to the facility and create employment for up to 120 during the construction phase.
Announcing $2 million in state money towards the project, Regional Development Minister Geoff Brock said on Tuesday the expansion by Treasury, one of the world’s largest publicly listed wine companies, would include moving part of the operations from Victoria to South Australia.
Brock said the upgrade would see sections of the bottling line integrated into the new SA packing facility.
Treasury’s director wine production Peter Taylor said the project would increase volume for the domestic and international markets.
“The choice to enhance and expand our flagship Wolf Blass Winery-packaging precinct in the Barossa Valley was the most efficient option,” Taylor said.
“This expansion will significantly improve the operation of our supply chain, and increase the amount of wine processed in the Wolf Blass packaging centre for both domestic and export purposes.”
Today’s round of Barossa job announcements follows the unveiling by the State Government yesterday of $140,000 for five valley wineries to build their export capabilities.
The money will be used to target customers in countries such as China, Taiwan, France, United States and Canada to encourage them to pay more for a “unique” glass of wine.
Another $200,000 state grant was announced for an $830,000 development at the Torbreck Vintners cellar door and visitor centre in the Barossa.
Six new positions at the cellar and centre and another 30 construction jobs are expected to be created by the project.
Brock said state involvement in the Treasury project signalled a commitment to the Barossa, Light and Lower North regions.
“The expansion will help create and sustain employment by delivering both economic and social benefits.
“This is a significant project by Treasury Wine Estates creating 30 new full time positions when the expansion is complete, as well as employing another 120 people during the construction phase.”
“The expansion will also have flow on effects throughout the region for associated industries such as growers, engineers, logistics and transport,” Brock said.
The project will also include sparkling pressure tanks and the extension of wastewater treatment facilities.
The Barossa, which has been the setting for Country and State Cabinet this week, is the focus of the Government’s push for premium food and wine produced in a clean environment and exported to the world.
