The multi-million dollar Marquis Macadamias expansion could start in the second half of 2022 and is set to deliver jobs and industry growth.
The development, which was recently approved by Bundaberg Regional Council, will almost quadruple the Oakwood facility’s floor area and will see on-site nut processing nearly tripled.
In a statement Marquis revealed it aimed to commence stage one in the second half of 2022, subject to final design details, government agency approvals and possible additions to the first stage of the development.
Marquis Macadamias Limited already processes almost half of the nation’s macadamias between its two Australian facilities.
Following the approval of its development application, which included all three stages of the expansion, Marquis Macadamias can now crack on with its plans which include increasing the nut processing floor area by 1300 m sq and building a three-storey office building.
The ancillary office space will be able to facilitate board meetings, training, meeting and reception in addition to providing general office space.
A 2750 m sq cold storage shed and four drying and storage sheds with a total ground floor area 7200 m sq will also be constructed.
A laboratory, lunchroom, storeroom, biomass boiler shed and boiler rooms are also set to be constructed along with 120 additional car parking spaces with a bitumen loop road connecting the existing car parking area.
The three stages of the Marquis Macadamias expansion would include:
Stage one:
- Development of a new delivery area
- Drying and storage buildings providing capacity for an additional 4,800 tonnes of NIS
- Installation of a solar farm
Stage two:
- Building of a new warehouse
- Building of a new production area
Stage three:
- Two additional storage buildings
Marquis Group Chief Executive Officer Larry McHugh said the company changed the initial scope of stage one when finalising designs for approval.
“When taking into account the rapid growth of macadamias in Bundaberg, we made a number of changes to the design of stage one,” he said.
“We are also considering bringing forward parts of the later stages, so that we can better deal with the rapidly expanding crop coming from our increasing grower shareholder base.
“This may increase the cost of stage one to $25 million.”
When all three stages are complete, Marquis estimates the expansion will cost from $35 million to $40 million.
The Oakwood macadamia nut processing facility currently handles 10,213 tonnes of macadamias annually but, according to the application, this will increase to 30,000 [tonnes] per annum when the expansion is complete.
Mr McHugh said the project would support the growth of the macadamia industry in Bundaberg.
“The expansion project is an important step in the development of Marquis Group as a grower-owned company and for the broader Bundaberg macadamia industry.
“It will provide a secure platform for further industry growth and deliver increasing benefits to the Bundaberg community, including new jobs for Bundaberg locals across construction, farming and other areas.
“The expansion project will significantly increase Marquis’ processing and export capabilities, catering to the demand for macadamia products globally,” Mr McHugh said.
The Marquis Macadamias expansion has been supported through the State Government’s Jobs and Regional Growth Fund.
