Construction of a new state-of-the-art composting facility in South Australia is a step closer, following the turning of the first sod late last year.
P&L Rogers started the land clearing for the development in June at the Port Wakefield site, which it hopes will help boost mushroom production by up to 15 per cent and create 15 new jobs.
The company currently sources its compost, or substrate, from a third-party in Victoria and transport it to their facility, south of Adelaide. But co-owner Phil Rogers says this new facility will give P&L Rogers greater control over its supply chain and ensuring its long term viability.
“We will employ five people to work at the composting facility at Pork Wakefield and an additional 10 picking staff at Woodcroft as a result of increased production," Mr Rogers said.
The company is using a $300,000 grant from the Coles Nurture Fund, which has allowed it to source the latest technology from Holland. The facility will incorporate state-of-the-art technology that facilitates real-time monitoring and management of critical elements within the substrate production process such as moisture content, oxygen circulation and temperature.
“Overall the project will reduce our compost costs, create freight savings, and allow us to use the excess capacity at the Woodcroft facility,” Mr Rogers said. "With the current model, our production is limited by the amount of substrate which we can source."
Phil and his wife Linda started P&L Rogers in 2006, following decades of experience in the mushroom industry, with the company producing 35 tonnes of fresh mushrooms for the domestic market each week. Mr Rogers says the new facility will mean operations will be kept within the state.
“P&L Rogers will be an entirely South Australian operation, with all raw materials also sourced within the state,” he said. “We’re working with local farmers to source chicken manure and straw from the local area, which are inputs for the substrate.”
For more informationPhil Rogers
P & L Rogers Pty Ltd
Phone: +61 8 8325 0799
admin@pandlrogers.com.au