Media release – 13 December 2019
Paeroa site works a treat for fast growing pet food company
It’s not just local dogs that are in for a treat following the recent opening of Fond Foods new treat-making plant in Paeroa. Part of the company’s dramatic expansion since it moved to Paeroa from Cambridge two years ago, the new plant, which exports tasty titbits for dogs, is making tails wag all over the world.
Fond Foods General Manager Clint Bolderston says the company was very lucky to find the Grey Street site two years ago when it outgrew its premises in Cambridge.
“Previously a meat works plant, the site was perfect for what we needed to do. It needed quite a bit of repurposing, and now we’ve added two significant buildings to that as we continue to expand here,” he said.
Building on the 50-year Chunky brand, the company specialises in dog roll made from fresh meat products. Bolderston says its lamb, beef, possum and chicken dog rolls are high quality, so dogs don’t need too much on their plates to stay healthy and active. Originally servicing the agricultural sector, the dog roll is now flying off supermarket shelves too. The dog treats are a more recent product line the company is keen to grow into more domestic and overseas markets.
“The opportunities for transport networks in Paeroa are strong with State Highway 2 just on our back door step. We also have a wide range of people with the sort of skills we need, such as electricians, gas fitters, and engineers, close by. It’s been a real asset to have people within the community that can assist with a business of our size and scale,” said Bolderston.
Council’s Economic Development Committee Chair Ross Harris says the opening of the new treat-making plant is an exciting day for Paeroa and the community.
“This firm thriving here not only gives confidence to other investors to follow suit, it creates opportunities for local people to work in this industry.”
The company, which is growing about 10 per cent every year, currently employs 30 local staff.
Owner John Taylor says Fond Foods is very proud to be part of the Paeroa community,
“The town has been very supportive of us, both with staff and tradespeople, who have all been sourced locally. We’re expanding. We’ve just opened our new treats plant and it’s going fantastically well. We couldn’t ask for anything more,” he said.
ENDS