Up to 50 new jobs are expected to flow from a new wine bottling venture announced today by Premier Jay Weatherill.

Australian Global Wine Services, in conjunction with Red Capital Pty Ltd, have announced plans to construct a large bottling, storage and container facility at Port Adelaide, which will cater predominately to the wine industry.

Following approvals, construction is expected to begin this month on Stage 1 of the $55 million venture, creating a further 120 construction jobs.

Speaking at the inaugural Investment and Trade Statement event at the Adelaide Oval, Mr Weatherill said the facility will increase bottling capacity and efficiencies within the South Australian export and domestic wine sector.

“This investment came about after Australian Global Wine Services identified a shortage in South Australia’s bottling capacity as well as an expected increase in future demand due to increased exports to Asia and a reduction of bulk wine export,” Mr Weatherill said.

“South Australia was the logical choice as the site for the new venture, due to it being the largest wine producing State in the country for both domestic and export product.

“Our State is an ideal location for international food and beverage companies seeking investment opportunities for global expansion.

“We have an enviable reputation as one of the world’s most sustainable food and wine growing environments, with our produce renowned for its safety, quality and product integrity.

“This investment by Australian Global Wine Services is another boost to the local industry.”

Investment and Trade Minister Martin Hamilton-Smith said today’s announcement was another early win for Investment Attraction South Australia.

“The agency worked closely across a range of Government departments in support of this development, in particular with Renewal SA on the sale of the land,” Mr Hamilton-Smith said.

“It also assisted with new labour requirements, and facilitated smooth approvals processes for development permits.”

Australian Global Wine Services Executive Consultant Ashley Wright said they have been delighted to work with Investment Attraction South Australia in securing this investment.

“The Port Adelaide location meant the new venture would be ideally situated for import and export activity and close to interstate rail services. This unique access will help eliminate some double handling and financial issues caused by current production processes,” Mr Wright said.

“We are building this for the Australian wine industry to bring a competitive edge to the exporting and importing community.

“By increasing efficiency in transport, location and production we may be able to reduce the bulk export requirement that is so prevalent today on the international stage.

“We’re also aiming to reduce lead times so as a major wine producing nation Australia can compete and be more reliable to our customers both domestic and international.

“South Australia the leading wine producing state for both bottled and bulk product, however a large volume of the production has been exported in bulk for bottling offshore, so it was time for someone to bring this value-adding process and associated jobs back to Australia.”

Mr Wright said the new facility will incorporate renewable energy and water recycling, utilising best-practice methods for sustainable, “green” production.

Red Capital Director Wayne Paxton said the company was delighted to be involved with the project, and in particular its focus on the growing China and Asian markets.

Stage 1 of the facility is expected to be completed in late October/early November this year.