South Australian food manufacturer Safcol Australia has committed $80 million toward the construction of a new purpose-built manufacturing facility in Edinburgh.
Located in Adelaide’s north, the project represents a major expansion of the company’s production capabilities and stands as one of the largest recent capital investments in the state’s food manufacturing sector.
Over the next two years, the new facility will entirely replace Safcol’s ageing Elizabeth factory, doubling the company’s current production capacity, and is designed to optimise operational efficiency and secure long-term competitiveness.
Safcol Australia CEO Andrew Mitchell said that rising energy costs, logistics pressures, and ageing infrastructure at the Elizabeth site were the primary drivers behind the strategic relocation.
The existing Elizabeth site also manages the company’s national warehousing, import operations, and pet food distribution, while the upcoming Edinburgh plant will integrate advanced manufacturing technology designed to improve productivity.
The design incorporates provisions for future integration of renewable energy to reduce water and energy consumption, building on Safcol’s existing sustainability initiatives, which include solar infrastructure and upgraded retort machinery.
In addition, Safcol opened its new Adelaide Fish Market facility in Thebarton. Evolving from its original Mile End location, the new site is designed to serve as a central wholesale seafood hub for South Australian fishermen and commercial suppliers.
Established in 1945, Safcol currently manufactures approximately 60 per cent of Australia’s wet baby food supply, alongside an array of soups, canned vegetables, and seafood products for proprietary lines, major supermarket private labels, and national food brands.
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