LOGOS starts construction on $100 million meat processing facility for Hilton Food Group at its Wiri Logistics Estate

Media
Thursday 11th April 2019

LOGOS is pleased to announce it is developing a $100 million purpose-built meat processing facility at its new Wiri Logistics Estate in Auckland for Hilton Foods New Zealand (Hilton), which will supply exclusively to Countdown’s North Island supermarkets from mid 2020.

The new facility marks the first stage of development works on the Estate, with Hilton CEO, Phil Heffer, Woolworths New Zealand’s Managing Director, Natalie Davis and Deputy Mayor of Auckland, Bill Cashmore joining LOGOS on site this morning to officially break ground on the facility.

Located on the corner of Roscommon and Wiri Station roads, the development site, which LOGOS is transforming into a prime logistics estate, offers direct access to Auckland’s key arterial roads and motorways, as well as the Conlinx Inland Port that services the Ports of Auckland.

Hilton, a wholly owned subsidiary of the international food processing company, Hilton Food Group plc, has committed to a 25 year pre-lease on the 15,700sqm facility, which is its first investment in New Zealand. Hilton will invest up to $50 million for plant and equipment for the facility.

Darren Searle, LOGOS’ Head of Australia and New Zealand, said: “This commitment is a significant milestone for LOGOS and the Wiri Logistics Estate, as it sees us extend our strong relationship with Hilton into New Zealand, and also marks our first tenant for the new Estate”.

LOGOS is currently completing a 45,000sqm purpose-built food processing and distribution facility for Hilton at its Heathwood Logistics Estate in Brisbane, Australia. The facility incorporates the latest in automated food processing and packaging technology, making it one of the most advanced processing and distribution facilities in the world.

“Having assisted in the delivery of a world class facility for Hilton in Australia, we are pleased to be able to support their New Zealand growth strategy and are excited to be a part of Auckland’s growing industrial sector. We look forward to continuing to work with Hilton, Countdown, Auckland Council and our land partner, Fletchers Building, as we bring this Estate to life,” Mr Searle added.

Auckland Deputy Mayor, Bill Cashmore, said: “It is great to see LOGOS, Hilton and Countdown investing in New Zealand’s agricultural sector by way of a new and modern meat processing plant. Our country produces world leading quality agricultural products deserving of an equal quality post paddock treatment giving consumers the best possible taste experience”.

Hilton Executive Chairman, Robert Watson OBE, said: “Our investment in Auckland is an important step in our growth strategy with the Wiri facility providing us with an excellent location to service our growing relationship with Countdown. We look forward to working with LOGOS on delivering this new facility”.

Woolworths New Zealand’s Managing Director, Natalie Davis, said they made the decision to partner with Hilton for meat processing in late 2017; its current plant on Portage Road will close and the team will move to the new, larger and more modern facility in Wiri.

“At Countdown, we are always looking to innovate our fresh offer for customers. Through this partnership with Hilton we see an exciting opportunity to provide our customers with more range and innovation in meat, at a faster pace. We know that convenience and easy meal solutions are key for our customers, and being able to be flexible and meet their constantly changing needs is incredibly important to us when it comes to future-proofing our meat offer.”

Works have commenced on site, with the facility scheduled to be fully operational from mid 2020.