Norco, Australia’s only 100% farmer-owned dairy cooperative, is set to boost production at its Lismore ice-cream facility with a $30 million factory upgrade kicking off this month.

Federal MP Kevin Hogan and Norco CEO Michael Hampson were on site today to sample some product and let Lismore now that an extra 20 million litres of ice-cream is on its way.

Mr Hampson told the Lismore App that the expansion “is fantastic for our region.”

“It’s creating between 20 and 30 jobs for people in our region, moderinising these facilities. We’ll be making probably an extra 20 million litres of ice cream here in the next four to five years. It’s just another reason how Norco invests back into the community which is something very credible about it. And who doesn’t love ice-cream?” Mr Hampson added.

“Hinterland ice cream that Norco put to the market last year is absolutely fantastic. 11 flavours and they’re decadent,” he continued.

Ice-cream fan Kevin Hogan said the upgrade will safeguard jobs and ensure long term profitability for Norco’s farmer members.

“The first phase of building works is currently underway and is expected to be completed in the second half of next year,” Mr Hogan said.

“Norco came to me with plans to substantially increase production capacity and improve efficiencies at their Lismore Ice-Cream factory to ensure the job security of its existing employees at that site and to expand its workplace.”

“I am proud to have worked with them to secure $15 million so these plans could go ahead.”

The funding is a co-contribution between the Federal government and Norco itself, each investing $15 million.

Michael Hampson said that the factory upgrade demonstrates Norco’s commitment to building a sustainable future for the co-op’s farmer owners.

“As our largest commercial investment to date, the factory upgrade will allow us to double-down on our commitment to providing value to our farmers while also supporting the future of the local area with greater long-term employment opportunities,” Mr Hampson said.

“We’ve seen the demand for our ice-cream manufacturing services really strengthen over the past few years, and the new facility will allow us to expand our production capacity to meet the needs of our current customers, and attract new ones, while also produce special and innovative flavours without compromising on the delivery of our core lines.”

“Our farmer owners have proven time and time again that they can maintain top quality milk even when the environment is tough, so we are confident that with this upgrade we will be able to grow our ice-cream business and meet the growing consumer demand for more complex products at the right price.”

Mr Hampson expressed his admiration for businesses that have survived during the pandemic.

“The covid impact has been tragic for a lot of businesses. A lot of our customers have worked very hard to keep their businesses open, cafes, bakeries, pubs, clubs, restaurants, they all need our support now that things are opening up.

“We already have a number of our key customers wanting the new, innovative products that this investment is going to bring us as well, so that’s another thing that will be a first for Australia, right here in Lismore.”