South Australian-based confectionery maker and retailer Haigh’s Chocolates has revealed plans to build a $130 million manufacturing facility in Salisbury South.
The new project will cover an area of 9000sqm for production facilities and 6000sqm for warehousing to service its 21 stores and online order fulfilment.
Out of the investment, $36 million will go towards purchasing European-made manufacturing equipment. This includes specialised panning, enrobing, moulding lines, and kitchen and packing equipment to complement the site’s artisan chocolate-making capabilities.
“This project represents a significant milestone for Haigh’s, as it will see our current chocolate production capacity double, allowing us to meet increased demand and interstate growth opportunities, including entering new markets,” said Haigh’s CEO Alister Haigh.
CIP Constructions has been appointed to oversee the development of the 36,000sqm site and will engage around 200 people to support the construction of the building designed by Bell Architects.
“Today commemorates the start of construction on what will surely become one of Adelaide’s premium industrial facilities,” said Mark Hendry, CEO, CIP Constructions.
“Early works to get underway include bulk earthworks and inground services before standing steel early next year.”
Haigh’s expects its Salisbury South facility to be fully operational in the second half of 2025, hiring up to 400 employees during the growth phase, including creating approximately 150 new jobs.
“Not only will this project directly create new jobs and opportunities at this site, it will facilitate employment growth across our retail business Australia-wide, creating up to 250 new jobs in the medium and long term,” added Peter Millard, CCO, Haigh’s Chocolates.
Established in 1915, Haigh’s Chocolates is the oldest family-owned chocolate maker in the country. It is currently in its fourth generation of family ownership and employs more than 800 people across two factories, a head office, and retail stores in Adelaide, Melbourne, Sydney and Canberra.
The. new factory and warehouse project comes five and a half years after the company opened a more modest $15 million expansion of its Adelaide factory.
