From V Energy to green energy, Suntory Oceania is installing 7000 solar panels to power its new multi-beverage facility in Ipswich, Queensland.
It’s a major milestone in achieving carbon-neutral ambition for the site, which is the largest single FMCG investment in Australia in the past decade.
The new facility will give Suntory Oceania unrivalled power to innovate with full end-to-end control of its portfolio, including manufacturing, sales, and distribution.
“The investment really shows the confidence that Suntory has in the Australian market and its ability to continue to grow and evolve,” said Mark Hill, MD Oceania, Suntory Global Spirits.
The world-class facility is the subject of the Australia Food & Grocery Council’s 2024 Sustaining Australia TV series, including an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour showcasing key green investment currently underway.
Ian Roberts, chief supply chain officer at Suntory Beverage & Food Oceania, said the facility provides an extraordinary capability to fast-track innovation and disrupt the market.
“Our carbon neutral ‘smart’ facility – powered by a combination of solar, biomass, and green energy – will give Suntory an unrivalled ability to innovate, respond to customer demand, and deliver beverages that are made locally and sustainably,” said Roberts.
“Led by our Growing For Good philosophy, Suntory has taken every opportunity to use leading technology and set new standards for sustainable manufacturing in Australia.”
Powered by 100 per cent renewable energy, the facility will manufacture 20 million cases at first production this year, including Australia’s number one energy drink, V.
The site also has a large-scale, high-tech warehouse that can store 35,000 pallets. The fully automated space will be the distribution hub for more than 40 market-leading brands, including Makers Mark, -196, Canadian Club & Dry, Jim Beam White Label Bourbon & Cola, Maximus, Suntory Boss Coffee and Laphroaig Whiskey.
Suntory Oceania’s new multi-beverage facility – the numbers you need to know:
- $400 million carbon-neutral manufacturing and distribution facility in Ipswich, Queensland.
- 450 jobs were created in construction, and once operational, the site will support 160 long-term local roles. Suntory is now hiring for a further 130 roles as part of a pioneering sales team bringing Suntory’s iconic alcohol portfolio to market from mid next year.
- 100 per cent renewable power from 14kms of solar panels and a purchase power agreement with Queensland’s own CleanCo.
- 20 million cases of beverages to be made annually, with the ability to scale up into the future.
- Suntory -196 will be among the portfolio of iconic non-alcoholic and alcoholic products that will be manufactured onsite. Others include the entire V Energy drink range, Canadian Club & Dry, Jim Beam White Label Bourbon & Cola.
- 35,000 pallets (+2.5 million cases) can be stored at the 30m high, fully animated, lights out, state-of-the-art distribution warehouse, with capacity to increase down the line.
- 40 market-leading alcohol and non-alcohol brands will be distributed from the site, working alongside production sites in New Zealand, North America, Europe and Japan.
