Viterra has announced it is planning to build up to 500,000 tonnes of extra storage across South Australia to handle the potential for a large crop this year.
Viterra will build new bunkers as well as upgrade existing bunker storage as part of its ongoing investment in its operations to meet the needs of growers during the critical harvest period.Tim Krause, General Manager, Viterra Operations said the season is looking very positive this year and while the spring conditions will determine the final crop size, Viterra has made the decision to build more storage.
“We start preparing for our harvest operations as soon as the previous harvest finishes. The decision to build more storage has to be made well in advance of knowing what the production is going to be, to have it ready for harvest,” Tim said.
In consultation with Strategic Site Committee Chairs and growers, Viterra has been closely monitoring production estimates to determine the sites which require additional capacity.
“This brings total storage capacity added to our network in the past two years to more than 600,000 tonnes.
“We are making these long-term investments in our network to provide a high level of service to our grower customers both now and into the future,” he said.
Much of the bunker construction work will be undertaken by local contractors.
“Viterra is a large contributor to regional South Australia and these infrastructure projects will have flow-on benefits for local businesses in the regions.
“We will also triple our workforce during the coming harvest. We are now recruiting for over 1600 casual workers and have a number of permanent positions available in regional South Australia. We strongly encourage people to apply as soon as possible.”
To apply for a harvest job or for more information on the range of roles available, visit viterra.com.au.
Further information
New bunkers are planned to be built at Wudinna, Lock, Rudall, Arno Bay, Wallaroo and Pinnaroo.
We are also currently assessing options for the construction of new bunkers at Thevenard, Tumby Bay, and Port Giles.
These bunkers are in addition to the new bunkers built at Lock, Rudall, Arno Bay and Crystal Brook last year which will be upgraded from temporary bunkers to permanent storage.
More information about Viterra can be found at www.viterra.com.au
Media contact:
Jane McBride
Communications Manager
Glencore Grain and Viterra
08 8304 1368
0448 910 886