News
TPI invests in new cressy poppy extraction facility
Release date: 03 March 2006
TPI Enterprises has passed another important milestone as it moves to becoming the third force in the Tasmanian poppy industry, with construction commencing on a new processing facility at Cressy in northern Tasmania.
Construction was officially commenced today with the Minister for Primary Industries and Water, the Hon. Steven Kons turning the first sod at TPI Enterprises’ Cressy facility.
In congratulating TPI Enterprises for its investment, Mr Kons said it was another vote of confidence in the Tasmanian economy and in particular the agricultural sector.
“While it is early days, TPI Enterprises’ investment in a state of the art processing facility is a clear indication that they mean business,” Mr Kons said.
“The poppy industry has been going through some difficult times in Tasmania and it is heartening to see an investment in its further expansion.”
TPI Director Jarrod Ritchie said he was delighted to progress to the next phase of the project after many years of hard work.
“This is stage one of TPI’s four stage expansion which will enable TPI to supply Thebaine and Morphine CPS samples requested by customers,” Mr Ritchie said.
Mr Ritchie said it was anticipated stage one would be completed within the next three months.
“This is a significant milestone for TPI and forms part of our strategy to develop the business in line with our customer’s growth,” Mr Ritchie said.
TPI recently harvested its trial crop in north east Tasmania. The poppy straw harvested will be used for the sample production.
Emphasising the benefits of long term partnerships, Mr Ritchie said TPI aimed to reclaim Tasmania’s lost market share through reliability, quality and fairness in price.
“Our vision is for a bigger Tasmanian industry winning a larger share of international markets,” Mr Ritchie said.
Mr Ritchie said the commencement of construction at Cressy was a significant milestone as it was a bricks and mortar investment demonstrating TPI’s commitment to Tasmania.