Youfoodz best-in-class facility to bring new level of meal production capabilities to Queensland.
Currently under construction in Berrinba, Queensland, the custom-built 13,700m2 facility will bring together Youfoodz’ three existing production sites, as well as its marketing, administration and distribution locations under one roof to deliver enhanced productivity.
The new energy-efficient and environmentally friendly facility represents an important step for Youfoodz that will:
Significantly increases production capacity and unlocks the next phase of growth for the company.
Increase raw material demand from 160 tonnes processed per week to 550 tonnes and higher over time which will benefit local primary producers who provide approximately 90% of ingredients.
Increase employment through the creation of 100 new roles at Youfoodz when production approaches one million meals per week and 350 jobs through the construction of the facility.
Provide world-class food and employee safety through the application of leading technologies and purpose-built design.
Furthermore, with streamlined food handling processes and industry-leading food safety standards, the new site will feature a two-level office structure, containing a mix of structured and flexible working zones, a fully equipped gym, lockers with shower facilities, a full menu development kitchen, photography studio, meeting spaces and training rooms.
The exciting new stage in Youfoodz’ evolution presents the opportunity to further support Australian growers and suppliers with enhanced capabilities including a 24/7 cooking system and the ability to cook 550 tonnes of produce per week.
“From a start-up family business in 2012 to now a market leader in Ready to Eat meals within Australia, the new facility is an incredible milestone for Youfoodz that we are proud to celebrate with all our loyal customers, suppliers and staff,” said Youfoodz Founder & CEO, Lance Giles.
“The new site is the size of 33 basketball courts and will enable Youfoodz to produce over 75 million meals per year and also over 30 million healthy drinks and snacks, which is a lot of Australians enjoying Youfoodz!”
“Completion of the build is expected by October when Youfoodz will start to transition to the new site. While construction is ongoing, it will be business as usual at our existing sites as we continue producing and delivering the food our customers love.
“From 2012 our vision has always been to ‘create the future of food’ and this new facility enables us to become a major step closer to achieving just that,” said Lance Giles.
“We are very excited to welcome Youfoodz and its CEO, Lance Giles, to our group. We are impressed by Youfoodz’ strong product and manufacturing capabilities and are looking forward to jointly delighting Australians with delicious, healthy and convenient meals. Youfoodz' complementary product and capability backed by a well-known brand and highly capable team will allow us to serve more meal occasions to more people. We look forward to being able to contribute our expertise to jointly capitalise on a strong growth opportunity”, says Tom Rutledge, CEO of HelloFresh Australia and New Zealand.
LOGOS’ Head of Australia & New Zealand Darren Searle commented: “We are delighted to be partnering with Youfoodz on this important project. LOGOS has a strong track record in developing world-class food and logistics facilities in Australia, New Zealand and across Asia and is looking forward to delivering this new purpose-built facility for Youfoodz.”
Berrinba Logistics Hub boasts a prime location in an established industrial precinct, which takes advantage of key motorway networks providing access to key metropolitan areas.
The Youfoodz facility will consist of food chillers and freezers along with food processing equipment and will be built to the Youfoodz and LOGOS standard specification, which is higher than market quality with key features with key ESG initiatives incorporated into the facility design.
Wiley - the project delivery company - is managing all aspects of the build including design, process engineering and construction. Project Manager Melania Patterson added: “Wiley is proud to bring this project to life for Youfoodz and LOGOS. From early design and engineering concepts through to today’s sod turning, we’ve been there every step of the way. We look forward to handing over the keys to this transformational facility in the coming months.”
Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said the facility highlighted Brisbane’s ability to attract and support investors.
“As Australia’s fastest-growing capital city, Brisbane is alive with opportunity for businesses, investors and talent,” Cr Schrinner said.
“Youfoodz world-class manufacturing facility is a testament to what is possible when homegrown Brisbane businesses attract new investment and collaborate with strong partners.
“HelloFresh’s investment has helped Youfoodz to accelerate its growth which will create new jobs and benefit local suppliers and producers, serving up a big win for Brisbane’s economy.
“Success stories like this should excite businesses and investors about the opportunities for growth here in Brisbane.
“Brisbane Economic Development Agency has supported Youfoodz to expand and we’re eager to work with other businesses to mirror this success.”