COMMISSIONING of a new compost processing pad has helped Biogro boost its capacity at Newbridge.
Managing director Stephen Van Schaik on Tuesday took Loddon Shire councillors and staff on a tour of the facility that he expects will be processing 130,000 tonnes annually within 12 months.
Mr Van Schaik said the EPA-approved pad had allowed the company to accelerate the volume processed.
The compacted clay-based pad is topped with crushed bluestone, has a fire system and lighting. He said work would start soon on a second pad.
Mr Van Schraik said demand for the company’s products had grown fast across the region “with garden supplier sales and now, into the agricultural market”.
“My goal is for every bit of compost produced here to be sold in the region,” he said.
Mr Van Shraik said the company was looking at plans for an alternative staffing structure at Newbridge and the site was now monitored seven days a week.
Installation of additional fire protection systems had improved production and risk mitigation after a fire in February. “That fire was in finished product - that’s unusual. The fire was unfortunate and the cause is still unknown.”