Arnott's, the maker of Tim Tam, Shapes and even Mint Slice, had previously been based in Ōtāhuhu, South Auckland. Photo: Supplied/ Bilby, CC BY-SA 3.0
There is something to celebrate for lovers of Arnott's biscuit and cracker products, as a new factory has opened in Auckland.
The maker of Tim Tam, Shapes and even Mint Slice, had previously been operating out of a factory in Ōtāhuhu, in South Auckland, when it shut its doors in 1997 and moved offshore.
The brand new multi-million-dollar facility in Avondale has been designed as an innovation hub and to accommodate further growth and expansion of the 180 degrees cracker brand, acquired by the business in May 2021.
Arnott's Group CEO George Zoghbi said the new facility signalled TAG's commitment to ongoing investment in New Zealand, enhancing localised supply chains and strengthening manufacturing, technology, capability and skills.
"The Avondale facility has been designed to unlock world-class innovation and flexibility for the broader Arnott's network and will allow us to increase our locally made Arnott's range," Zoghbi said.
"The integration of 180 degrees in 2021 and the subsequent construction of Avondale, have meant greater speed and agility within the New Zealand arm of our 157-year-old business, that will allow us to unlock new products and reach new consumers.
New Zealand country director Mike Cullurne said the facility would also create jobs.
"Post the acquisition we've made and with the new site we've got about ten new jobs across manufacturing and also research and development but as we grow and as we scale up we are going to be adding dozens more roles in manufacturing in particular, as we add on more shifts."
He said there was something for consumers to get excited about too.
"They'll be more product and more product that New Zealanders will recognise certainly with the number of partnerships that we are planning and the first cab off the rank is Barkers, which we are really excited about so New Zealand consumers can expect more of those kids if offers when we get up and running."
Mike Cullurne said New Zealanders should expect the release of new sweet treats before Christmas.