Viterra has invested $7 million into upgrading its Port Giles and Wallaroo port terminals, following a strong export shipping year.
The $5 million upgrade at Port Giles includes improvements to the port terminal’s bulk loading plant electrical equipment, steel storage bins and the installation of new CCTV systems to help employees monitor grain on conveyor belts.
The works are the largest major improvement works in the company’s network for the 2020/21 season.
At Wallaroo, works have begun on the second stage of a $2 million project, replacing structural support for its vessel loading equipment.
Viterra Operations Manager Central Region Jack Tansley said the focus at both locations is on continuing to provide value to local growers who deliver into the sites, by maintaining these key export terminals for South Australian grain.
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“These major projects reflect Viterra’s continued investment into maintaining our port terminals and ongoing commitment to delivering a valuable service to both grower and buyer customers,” Tansley says.
“We have strong demand for grain from our system with back-to-back vessels booked by multiple exporters who are sending grain to various destinations.”
Viterra invests up to $40 million into its sites each year to improve reliability and ensure the long-term sustainability of its infrastructure.
More than 200,000 tonnes of wheat and lentils will be loaded across the two sites, as part of Viterra’s shipping schedule. Around 1.8 million tonnes of product from across South Australia is set to be exported by the end of January.
“It is a real positive for growers that we are experiencing constant demand from the 25 buyers in our system who have already purchased new season grain, including 11 exporters. This greatly benefits growers who deliver into Viterra as they have a number of options on who they sell their grain to,” Tansley says.
“With harvest wrapping up, we look forward to working with grower customers, taking on board their feedback to ensure our operations and services continue to meet their needs.”