The 10ha glasshouse expansion of tomato operations undertaken by the Costa Group is now operational, creating more than 170 new full-time jobs for Guyra and the region.
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The construction of two new glasshouses to the north of Guyra will help the company to achieve its long-term goal of producing 21 million kilograms of tomatoes a year.
Member for Northern Tablelands Adam Marshall and Guyra Mayor Hans Hietbrink made a visit to the site this week to inspect the new facility. State government support for the project had enabled the Costa Group upgrade and expansion to proceed.
The new glasshouses expand Costa’s existing 20 hectare glasshouse which has been operating in Guyra since 2004.
Mr Marshall said that Costa is planning to invest up to $60 million in this expansion and create 171 new jobs, which is great news for Guyra and surrounding centres. “Costa employs up to 6,000 people during the peak harvest season across Australia with more than 2,000 people in NSW alone through its tomato and berry growing operations – around 400 of which are now in Guyra,” Mr Marshall said.
Costa is a major Australian grower, packer and marketer of fresh fruit and vegetables and a vital business in the local community and Mr Marshall said he was pleased to that the NSW government partnered with Costa to help create more economic activity in the region and more jobs.
“This investment has helped Costa upgrade the road entrance from the New England Highway to the site of the new glasshouses, allowing easier and safer access,” Mr Marshall said.
As well as tomatoes, Costa produces berries, mushrooms, citrus, bananas and table grapes, as well as being a leading marketer of avocados. Costa supplies Australian supermarket chains and independent growers and exports to Asia, North America and Europe.
