Chinese company Yashili has received approval to establish a NZ$220m ($170.7m) infant formula production facility in Pokeno, New Zealand.
The Waikato District Council gave clearance for the facility after a three-day hearing which was held from 31 July to 2 August at Waikato District Council Chambers in Ngaruawahia.
The Council's Regulatory Committee appointed Michael Savage as the independent commissioner to hear the application, which received 27 submissions with five submitters heard at the hearing. The hearing was officially closed on 5 August, after which, the independent commissioner had 15 working days to make his decision.
According to the council, the appeal period began on 27 August, allowing 15 working days for an appeal to be lodged with the Environment Court.
Yashili announced its plans to establish the infant formula plant in January, and it received approval from the NZ Overseas Investment office in April.
The plant will be established and operated by Yashili New Zealand Dairy, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Yashili. It is expected to produce about 52,000 tons of finished products and semi-finished products, including base milk powder.
In January, China Mengniu Dairy has agreed to acquire 75.3% stake in infant formula manufacturer Yashili, from chairman Zhang Lidian's family and Carlyle Group, for HK$12.5bn ($1.6bn).
