Simplot has secured a AUD12m federal government grant for an expansion at their Tasmanian processing facility located in Ulverstone, a report from The Advocate has revealed. The funding will be supplemented by Simplot’s own AUD39.3m investment for a total project cost of AUD51.3m.

According to Nationals senator Steve Martin, the plant will employ 117 people over the three years of construction and will secure the other 300 jobs, instead of them going offshore. The expansion will see the creation of larger storage and refrigeration facilities for the more than 300,000 tons of Tasmanian potato products the company acquires each year.

The infusion of capital is good news for local potato growers. Braddon liberal candidate Gavin Pearce, who is also a potato grower and Simplot supplier said that the expansion will offer growers surety that their farming investments will be worthwhile.

The report notes that the construction of the expansion will begin in August 27, 2019.

The news comes shortly after another report revealed McCain also has plans to invest AUD37m towards expanding its plant located in Smithton, northwest Tasmania.