Queensland's Fibre King has equipped itself for an expected growth in its export activities, particularly in Asia, with the opening of a new plant in Thailand.
The plant will complement its head office and factory facility in Brisbane, which will also continue as the company's chief centre for research and development.
The new plant, in Thailand's Rayong province, will operate under the name Oryx Automation, Fibre King's export brand. Both Fibre King and Oryx Automation are part of the R.L.Windsor Group, an 87-year-old Australian engineering company specialising in packaging machinery.
The Rayong facility, at 3000 square metres, is 50 per cent larger than the existing Brisbane plant. When fully staffed, Fibre King's total workforce will be double its previous size.
The general manager of Fibre King and Oryx Automation, Suren Moodley, said the plant will significantly increase the company's production capacity for its growing export market.
"We've spent over 18 months establishing our operations and most importantly, finding the right people for Oryx Automation," Moodley said.
"I continue to be impressed with the level of skill, devotion and industry shown by all our people, both in Asia and Australia."
Fibre King chief executive Earle Roberts said the company had enjoyed strong growth in its export activities in recent times.
"The level of interest coming out of Asia and the Middle East, as well as the USA and Canada, has been overwhelming," Roberts said.
"Our manufacturing capability in Asia is now tested and proven, with recent successful installations at several Asian nutritional operations, so we're well placed to meet our global client's needs."
He said the company's export activities had been strongly underpinned by continued resiliency in its home Australian market.
