Ferrero Group has marked 50 years of manufacturing at its Lithgow factory in New South Wales, celebrating the site’s contribution to the company’s Australian operations and its continued investment in production and sustainability.
Established in 1976 as Ferrero’s first factory outside Europe, the Lithgow site initially produced Tic Tac before introducing Nutella production in 1978. It now exclusively manufactures Nutella, producing approximately 15 million kilograms annually for Australia, New Zealand and markets across East and North Asia.
According to the company, the anniversary celebration brought together current and former employees, families, community partners and political representatives. Activities included speeches, staff awards, a special anniversary cake and activities exploring sustainability, food safety and quality.
Christopher Hinton, Region Industrial Manager at the Lithgow factory, said the milestone recognised the people who had contributed to the site’s history.
“Fifty years is an incredible milestone, but what makes it special is the people behind it,” Hinton said. He added that the event provided an opportunity for former colleagues to reconnect and current employees to share their work with family members.
Ferrero said it had invested $30 million in the Lithgow site over the past three years, including a rooftop solar array capable of supplying up to 20 per cent of the factory’s electricity needs and an electric hazelnut roaster that has reduced gas requirements by nearly 90 per cent.
The site also received Platinum Project recognition through the NSW Government’s Sustainability Advantage Program. The recognition was presented by Trish Doyle MP, Member for Blue Mountains, acknowledging sustainability outcomes achieved at the factory.
Other attendees included Andrew Gee MP, Member for Calare, Paul Toole MP, Member for Bathurst, Lithgow City Council Mayor Cassandra Coleman and Deputy Mayor Eric Mahony.
Ferrero said the anniversary provided an opportunity to recognise the contributions of employees and the local community while reflecting on the factory’s history and future.
