New technology at Birch & Waite's $13.5 million factory

Family-owned food manufacturer Birch & Waite has launched its new $13.5 million factory featuring cutting-edge technology.

Located in the Sydney suburb of Revesby, the factory is expected to create another 45 full-time jobs on top of the over 100 staff employed at their Marrickville factory.

The new facility contains high-speed packaging machines and innovative equipment, including what is said to be the first commercial-sized shaking retort in the Southern Hemisphere. This technology is expected to drive over $20 million in growth for the business, and the company predicts a $4 million turnover for the factory’s first year of operation.

“The new technology allows for a higher vitamin retention and lower salt use, while retaining a superior taste with a longer shelf life and no preservatives,” explained Birch & Waite General Manager David Charles. “High pH sauces that contain fresh ingredients will keep their full flavour, nutritional value and freshness thanks to the quick thermal cooking process it allows. The end results are products that taste as if a chef has just created them.”

Focusing on a specialty health range, the company has developed a new range of Thickened Liquid health products for those suffering from dysphagia — a disorder that causes difficulty or inability to swallow.

“We realised that as well as developing products with good flavours, there is a clear need in the healthcare sector for a new, more palatable product to support the hydration and nutrition requirements of people with dysphagia. The new technology at Revesby has made this possible," said Charles.

This factory opening will mark another achievement in the company’s history of success. They have had an average growth of over 15% cumulative per annum for the last 16 years, and won the ‘No.1 Choice of Australian Chefs’ award for their Whole Egg Mayonnaise in 2016.