BEIJING, Nov. 6, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- In November 2015, Yili Oceania Production Base (Base) was hailed as "Yili Miracle" by local media for its breakneck year-on-year growth (nearly 30%), full integration into the local community and prominent contribution in promoting China-New Zealand economic and trade cooperation.
As the world's largest integrated dairy production base and one of the earliest greenfield investment projects carried out in New Zealand by a Chinese company, the Base has successfully delivered batches of high quality New Zealand milk powder to Chinese infants. It is reported that, although the Base only started operation a year ago, its production capacity has already surpassed most New Zealand factories of the same kind, and this year its output will grow by nearly 30% again.
As a big employer in New Zealand, the Base has generated a lot of job opportunities and tax revenue for the region. The first phase project alone has provided jobs for hundreds of people and supported the business of nearly 100 farms. According to Waimate Mayor Craig Rowley, "Yili is part of our big family. We have always regarded it as a 100% New Zealand business."
The Base was officially unveiled by Chinese and New Zealand leaders on November 21, 2014. The ongoing second phase project includes four programs, the deep processing of raw milk, UHT liquid milk, milk powder production and packaging.