Nestlé Australia has unveiled a new $30 million investment in its Campbellfield factory in Victoria, the home of KitKat. The state-of-the-art technology will bring digital and AI capabilities that will improve the iconic KitKat wafer, and enable further KitKat innovation, while also supporting an increased production capacity. Nestlé General Manager Confectionery, Andrew Lawrey, shared that the investment is a testament to Nestlé’s ongoing support for local manufacturing and to delivering new and delicious flavors for consumers.
“KitKat fans love to see new ways to break – and the new technology we have installed in our factory allows us to create new flavors and fillings, textures and tastes. Part of the investment is a new wafer oven, which will enhance the entire KitKat range by improving our wafer quality. We’re excited that this new technology will help us to deliver a crispier, more consistent ‘snap’ – the iconic break that KitKat is famous for. There is a slight change in our wafer size as the molds compatible with the new technology are smaller, which will see our KitKat 4 Finger bar move from 45g to 42g. The safety of our team is our top priority. By investing in automation, we can significantly reduce manual handling, making the job safer for our operators. We will also be able to minimize food and packaging waste. We have a long history of making delicious products in our Campbellfield factory – and with this investment, we’re looking forward to a long future.”
Andrew Lawrey, General Manager Confectionery, Nestlé
One of the first products to be made using the new technology is KitKat Neapolitan, due on shelves in Australia in January and New Zealand in February. The Nestlé factory in Campbellfield employs more than 400 people and makes many Australians’ favorite chocolate brands including KitKat, Aero, Smarties, Milkybar, Chokito, and baking products Bakers’ Choice and Plaistow. In addition to unlocking production capacity and innovation capabilities, greater automation in the factory will also increase safety.
Nestlé achieves long-term success by creating value for society and our shareholders. This is why Creating Shared Value is integral to the way the company conducts its business. It’s also why they have solid Corporate Business Principles that guide actions and behaviors. With these standards at the core, they create nutritious, enjoyable, and sustainable products. They’re helping to build healthier, more resilient communities.