Westland Milk Products, a subsidiary of the global dairy giant, Inner Mongolia Yili Industrial Group Co., Ltd. (Yili), initiated the groundbreaking ceremony of its new lactoferrin production plant in New Zealand. The development is part of Yili’s strategic efforts to expand its product portfolio and meet the increasing global demand for high-quality dairy products.
Lactoferrin, an iron-binding protein found in milk, boasts many health benefits. These include promoting good gut health, boosting the immune system, and assisting in the development of infants. The popularity of lactoferrin-based products has grown exponentially in recent years due to increased health consciousness among consumers worldwide.
The new plant, located in Hokitika, will significantly bolster Yili’s ability to produce high-quality lactoferrin and strengthen its standing in the global dairy market. The plant is expected to have an annual output capacity of approximately 20 metric tons upon completion. This expansion by Westland Milk Products is a strategic move to satisfy the growing global demand for lactoferrin.
The groundbreaking ceremony marked the commencement of construction and was attended by key stakeholders, including company executives and local government officials. The company has committed to ensuring the plant operates under strict environmental and sustainability guidelines, reflecting Yili’s dedication to environmental responsibility.
The development of the new lactoferrin plant is the latest in a series of moves by Yili to enhance its global presence. In recent years, the company has been focusing on research and development and expanding its supply chain capabilities to meet the ever-evolving needs of consumers across the globe.
Yili’s new lactoferrin plant in New Zealand underlines the company’s ambitions to lead the global dairy industry. The company is setting a benchmark for future growth and diversification within the dairy sector by harnessing advanced technologies and maintaining a rigorous approach to quality control.
This initiative is a significant step for Yili and Westland Milk Products and New Zealand’s dairy industry. As one of the leading dairy-producing nations globally, New Zealand stands to benefit economically from this investment, bringing jobs and fostering innovation in the dairy sector.
The plant is anticipated to be operational by mid-2024, post which Yili is set to ramp up its lactoferrin production, further contributing to the global dairy market. The company’s investment in the plant reiterates its commitment to high-quality dairy production and the evolution of its product portfolio to meet shifting consumer preferences.
Image provided by Yili
