Ferrero’s Nutella factory in Lithgow turns 50

Established in 1976 as Ferrero’s first factory outside Europe, the Lithgow factory has produced many Ferrero products, including Tic Tac and Ferrero Rocher, and is now a dedicated Nutella hub, producing around 15 million kg each year for Australia, New Zealand and parts of Asia.

In celebration, Ferrero hosted an event which explored the history of the factory, and its ongoing commitment to quality, sustainability and community. The event was attended by current and former employees, their families, community partners and Ferrero leaders, alongside Trish Doyle MP, Andrew Gee MP, Paul Toole MP, and Lithgow Mayor Cassandra Coleman.

A highlight of the event was Trish Doyle MP presenting the site with Platinum Project recognition from the NSW Government’s Sustainability Advantage Program. This follows Ferrero’s $30 million investment in the site over the past three years, including a rooftop solar array that can generate up to 20% of the factory’s electricity needs and a new electric hazelnut roaster that has cut gas requirements by nearly 90%.

Christopher Hinton, Region Industrial Manager at the Lithgow factory, said the anniversary was a celebration of the people behind the milestone.

“Fifty years is an incredible milestone, but what makes it special is the people behind it. This celebration was about bringing together the many local friends and families who have all contributed to the Lithgow factory, and celebrating the pride, commitment and memories they have built here.

“It has been fantastic to see former colleagues reconnect, families come together and our current team share what they do with the people who matter most to them. That sense of pride and connection is something really special to Lithgow.”

Guests came together to reflect on the people, work and values that have shaped the site over five decades, with the celebration featuring speeches, staff awards, the cutting of a special 50th anniversary cake, and activities exploring sustainability, food safety and quality. Pictured above are three generations of Lithgow plant managers cutting the cake together (L-R) Francesco Fusina & Glauco Leone, Former Ferrero Lithgow Plant Managers; and Chris Hinton, Region Industrial Manager Ferrero Lithgow.

Top image caption: Ferrero receives Platinum Project recognition from the NSW Government’s Sustainability Advantage Program (L-R) Chris Hinton, Region Industrial Manager Ferrero Lithgow; Jerome Gray, Regional Manager Ferrero Asia Pacific; Derek Lath, Corporate Director Ferrero Australia; Trish Doyle MP, Member for the Blue Mountains; Jojo Fuller, Senior Project Officer at Sustainability Advantage; and Celia Tesoriero, Program Manager at Sustainability Advantage.