PGG Wrightson Seeds will open a new state-of-the art processing plant in Truganina, next week.
General manager John Stewart said the opening of the new facility was testament to PGG Wrightson’s commitment to the Australian seed industry.
“In addition to the work we already undertake in plant research and development, this represents a significant investment in warehousing and logistics that will efficiently deliver the highest quality seed to our customers.”
PGG Wrightson Seeds’ investment in the innovative facility would support the next generation of forage seed genetics and dramatically improve the seed supply chain for Australian farmers.
PGG national supply chain manager Quintin McCall said the purpose-built facility set a new benchmark for seed distribution centres in Australia.
“Our new facility at Truganina is a vital link in our supply chain and we have invested in creating a best-in-class operation that is unparalleled in the industry,” Mr McCall said.
“PGG Wrightson Seeds provides the market with a wide range of high quality products and we have invested heavily to ensure we have product of high quality available to producers when they need it.”
Storing seed with endophytes was a key consideration when designing the new facility.
“Endophytes have been one of our big breakthroughs producing persistent pasture plants better suited to handle tougher conditions and resistant to pest pressure,” Mr McCall said
“Seed containing endophytes needs to be stored correctly or it will quickly lose its quality, so one of the big things we have done is install a large cold-room and provided roof insulation to lower temperatures.
The 20,000 square metre facility, also featured an innovative seed mixing plant.
“Our state-of-the-art seed mixers have dramatically increased our seed mixing capabilities which means we can be very responsive to customer demand, particularly when customers have specific order requirements,” he said.
Improving the health, safety and wellbeing of its employees was also a major consideration when designing the new facility.
“The volume of seed that we manually handle has dramatically reduced due to storage configuration changes, and we have installed a comprehensive dust management system which creates a more pleasant working environment for staff in our manufacturing areas,” Mr McCall said.
“The office environment has also been considered, and staff now have a much more open and spacious office with plenty of exposure to natural light.”
The facility would process seeds from Tasmania, New Zealand, South America, the United States of America and other international origins. Improvements in export capabilities would also enable the facility to increase seed sales internationally.
