Fonterra Clandeboye cheese plant fills half available jobs

Fifty new staff members have been welcomed at Fonterra Clandeboye as a result of its mozzarella plant expansion, which is yet to be completed. Photo / Supplied

Fonterra Clandeboye has filled half the vacancies at its new mozzarella cheese plant.

Last week, the plant welcomed 50 new staff members to its team, and a further 50 vacancies were yet to be filled, Fonterra Clandeboye operations manager Steve McKnight said.

The jobs have been created by the expansion of mozzarella production at the site.

Once finished the site will be the largest producer of natural mozzarella in the southern hemisphere.

The new staff members had joined the team as operators and would work in existing plants before moving to the new plant next year, Mr McKnight said.

''There's a real buzz in the air on site at the moment with the new plant being built, new team members coming on board and everything ramping up for the season.

''We're really proud of the part we play in providing employment opportunities in the region, and the vibrancy and energy this brings to South Canterbury.''

The $240million expansion will increase the plant's production of mozzarella cheese for the global market, helping it meet the needs of 70 different markets around the world.

Once completed, the new development will cover about 9000sq m, making the factory 30% larger.

Fonterra started calling for new staff earlier this year, with the aim of getting some on board before the expansion was completed.

By April, the company had received more than 400 applications from people who wanted to work at the new plant.

A total of 70 applications came from current employees who were either keen for a change or wanted to advance their careers.