Australian biscuit and snack producer Arnott’s Group is set to resume manufacturing in New Zealand after acquiring local biscuit maker 180degrees and its facility last year.
A multi-million-dollar manufacturing facility extension is currently under construction in Avondale, West Auckland, scheduled to commence production early next year. The site is expected to create dozens of manufacturing jobs, and support local commodity suppliers across the region.
“The new site will unlock significant opportunity for the 180degrees brand as it continues to grow both domestically and in Australia, and drive growth in the premium entering category for Arnott’s,” said George Zoghbi, CEO of Arnott’s Group.
The group opened a factory in South Auckland’s Otahuhu before withdrawing from the country in 1997 to shift focus to its home market, where it operates six factories across Adelaide, Brisbane and Sydney.
Arnott’s Group NZ Lead, Mike Cullerne, said the company has seen strong growth in the country led by the acquisition of 180degrees.
“We’re committed to retaining the essence of the 180degrees brand and a large part of that is its relationship with NZ consumers, retailers and local suppliers,” he added.
Nigel Cranston, the co-founder of 180degress, said the partnership will enable the company to get its products into more homes across New Zealand, Australia and further afield.
“Together with The Arnott’s Group, we’ve been able to grow our consumer base and continue to create products jam-packed with the character and flavour that has always epitomised who we are.”
