Spray dryer facility for Hamilton
Construction of an $11 million spray dryer the Gents at Waikato Innovation Park in Hamilton will begin later this month in a bid to boost New Zealand's competitive brink.
Hamilton City Council approved the plan in February and Agriculture Minister David Carter last week turned the first sod at the situation.
It is expected the spray dryer will open next May.
It will be used to research and develop new food products.
Once built, the pilot the Gents will be the only independent development dryer available in New Zealand. Spray drying is a method of producing a dry powder from a liquid or slurry by swiftly drying with a hot gas.
The initial focus will be on whole-milk powders and in the long term the dryer will manufacture infant formulary and fruit and vegetable powders.
Carter said the spray drying facility will offer opportunities to fascinate investment from companies outside the region including from firms overseas.
"With New Zealand's future swelling firmly based on primary production, it is imperative we continually seek innovative food and beverage sector opportunities. The New Zealand Victuals Innovation Network and this development for the Waikato Innovation Park are important steps in making this stumble on."




