News

TPI’s new cressy poppy extraction facility progressing well

Release date: 20 April 2006

Construction of TPI Enterprises new production processing facility at Cressy in northern Tasmania is progressing well with completion of the first stage on track for June this year.

TPI Director Jarrod Ritchie said he was delighted with progress so far, after extensive planning.

Stage one of TPI’s four stage expansion is nearly complete and will enable TPI to immediately supply commercial quantities to the international market place. Mr Ritchie said, “The fully commercialised production process will allow TPI to supply Thebaine and Morphine CPS samples to meet existing customer requests.”

“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’s first year crop requirements will give Tasmanian farmers encouragement in the light of recent negative Tasmanian industry announcements. TPI retains great faith in the international competitiveness of the Tasmanian industry, at the farm gate.

Mr Ritchie said TPI aimed to reclaim Tasmania’s lost market share and customers through reliability, quality and fairness in price.

“A visit in March to the International Narcotic Control Board Conference in Vienna gave us a good opportunity to meet with customers again who maintain strong interest in TPI and the prospect of a third Australian poppy processor,” Mr Ritchie said.

“Our vision is for a bigger Tasmanian industry winning a larger share of international markets,” Mr Ritchie said.

Mr Ritchie said the completion of works at Cressy will be significant as it is a bricks and mortar investment demonstrating TPI’s commitment to Tasmania.

“We feel very positive about complying with all license requirements to attain our manufacturing license,” Ritchie said.

“Our engineering, security and industry experience is extensive. TPI’s timely entry into the market is continuing as planned.”