BUCKLAND Park-based horticulture company P’Petual Holdings has announced plans to expand its high-technology glasshouse complex in a project expected to create 250 new ongoing jobs in northern Adelaide.
The $60 million expansion that will be rolled out over three stages, will increase the scale of the greenhouses from eight to 28 hectares, creating the second largest high technology glasshouse horticulture project in the SA.
The first stage is an 8ha expansion funded with the help of a $2 million Future Jobs Fund grant that will generate 100 new ongoing jobs and increase total yield to approximately 7800 tonnes of produce annually.
P’Petual received their Future Jobs Fund grant offer this week and is one of 57 businesses offer grant and loan funding so far and Investment Attraction SA has been working with P’Petual to secure these investments and new jobs.
It has been a collaboration between P’Petual Holdings, Stretton Centre, City of Playford, SA Water, Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources, Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure, Environmental Protection Authority SA, the Office of the Agent-General and IASA to achieve this result
Minister for Investment and Trade Martin Hamilton-Smith said SA’s natural advantages in food production and manufacturing complement its proximity to Asia making the state an ideal global food gateway.
“It’s pleasing that overseas firms have recognised these advantages and sought to invest with a great SA company like P’Petual Holdings,” he said.
“This is another much-needed jobs boost for northern Adelaide.”
Treasurer Tom Koutsantonis said there was an overwhelming response from the food industry to the $200 million Future Jobs Fund, with many strong applications.
“Demand is growing for quality food products that can be produced year-round, and with SA’s climate and ability to be able to distribute around the country, we are perfectly positions to be a leader in this sector,” he said.
- This story first appeared on Stock Journal.