Vaughan to build $105.5m facility for Coca-Cola Europacific Partners
16 September 2024Cutting edge 24/7 facility will also boost local employment
Vaughan Constructions has been appointed by Coca- Cola Europacific Partners (CCEP) to construct a new Warmfill production line designed to significantly increase the manufacture and distribution of Powerade and Fuze Tea.
The project, located at CCEP’s existing 20 Levanswell Road, Moorabbin estate, comprises a 4225 square metre PET (polyethylene terephthalate) manufacturing hall and the installation of a high-speed Nitro-Warmfill line.
The hi-tech production process, which uses heat to sterilize the product and its container, will enable the production of the complete Powerade and Fuze Tea beverage range.
CCEP’s investment of $105.5 million represents its biggest single investment in its Australian manufacturing network.
Vaughan Constructions’ Development Manager, Jessica Topelson, said once operating at full capacity, the new facility would be capable of delivering up to 17.8 million unit cases to the CCEP network annually. This will increase the Moorabbin site’s overall capacity by 23 per cent.
She said the national firm was proud to again be working in partnership with CCEP in delivering state-of-the-art facilities.
“The Vaughan team is looking forward to continuing the very successful relationship we have fostered with CCEP.
“Building innovative, highly specified production facilities for our market leading clients in the food and beverage industry is the sort of challenge that really drives our team to deliver exceptional results.
“This project will be Vaughan’s second at the Moorabbin site – having previously delivered works associated with the installation of two earlier production lines – and ultimately our fourth project for CCEP, including distribution centres at Eastern Creek and Northmead in New South Wales,’’ Ms Topelson said. She said the Warmfill facility would enable CCEP to realise their expansion goals, particularly in the sports beverage category.
Manager, Construction & Building Facilities at CCEP, Dane Sanders, said the firm was delighted to be collaborating with Vaughans once again.
“Vaughans have proven to be a valuable partner in the provision of quality facilities for our manufacturing and distribution processes in Australia,’’ Mr Sanders said.
He said the new building – designed by NZ headquartered Asia Pacific design and engineering consultancy group BECA – would house specialty machinery and plant equipment from leading German packaging and bottling machine manufacturer Krones.
The new facility, which will include a unique services pipe bridge to the existing facility, will primarily service Victorian, South Australian and Tasmanian markets, Mr Sanders said.
Ms Topelson said works at the 6754 square metre site would include construction of a cutting edge 4225 square metre manufacturing hall, installation of a high-speed 640 bottle per minute Nitro-Warm-fill line, comprehensive upgrades to the existing infrastructure encompassing water treatment, electrical systems, compressed air, nitrogen dosing, heating and cooling systems, and a syrup room for warm-fill product manufacturing.
She said the new facility would add to local employment opportunities including up to 80 jobs at the peak of construction. Onsite works are commencing this month with a targeted completion of late July 2025. CCEP expects the facility to be fully operational by Q1 2026.