More iconic Allen’s lollies, including Minties, Red Ripperz, Sherbies and Milkos, will now be manufactured in Broadford after a $12 million expansion of the factory.
The expansion involved repurposing an existing warehouse inside the factory to an automated dual line production facility and building an additional storage facility adjacent to the factory.
A combination of new and existing equipment was also integrated into a high-speed wrapping line, allowing 1750 Minties to be wrapped per minute.
Nestlé Broadford factory manager Emily Bradbury said the expansion occurred throughout last year, with the last of the new products beginning production in August.
“Our new facilities are in full swing making up to 10 tonnes a day of Minties,” she said.
The addition of the chews and chew mix range has created 20 new jobs at the factory, across production, engineering and quality assurance.
The factory is the largest private employer in Mitchell Shire and the expansion provides long-term job security for the 240 existing employees.
The Allen’s brand is owned by Nestlé Australia and has been produced in Broadford since 1982, with the factory operating 24 hours a day, five days a week.
“We currently produce 20,000 tonnes of Allen’s Jellies such as Snakes Alive, Party Mix and Frogs Alive, plus the additional 2000 tonnes of chews including Mintes, Red Rippers and Chew Mix bringing 2023 production up to 22,000 tonnes,” Ms Bradbury said.
“We’re proud to make Australia’s favourite lollies right here in Broadford, thanks to our hard-working team.
“Our expanded facilities will allow us to scale up production – which is good news for lolly lovers, and for Broadford.”
Minister for Regional Development Harriet Shing visited the Nestlé Broadford factory last week, to see the expansion, which the State Government had contributed to through its Regional Jobs Fund.
“Workers at the Nestlé factory in Broadford have built a delicious and iconic legacy over the past 40 years and our support is helping the Allen’s brand continue to grow,” Ms Shing said.
