South Australian confectionery institution Haigh’s Chocolates has officially opened a new production facility in Adelaide’s northern suburbs. 

The $120 million factory is expected to significantly increase the company’s output.

“(My) great grandfathers began crafting chocolates beneath the beehive building’s shop, with the first factory located at Parkside. Yes, then there was Mile End, and now this is our third,” explained owner Alister Haigh.

The Salisbury South factory is powered by more than 1000 solar panels and includes 1.7 kilometres of pipes for chocolate delivery.

“Almost everything we make will come out of this factory,” chief executive Peter Millard said.

“The heart of Haigh’s lies in our people. We aimed to create a facility that accommodates expansion, allowing us to leverage the expertise we’ve cultivated within our team and to continue growing…

“We eagerly anticipate having approximately 400 to 500 people employed at this facility, which will also support several hundred individuals working in retail stores across Australia.”

The new facility is expected to boost production from 1100 tonnes of chocolate to 2000 as part of Haigh’s ten-year growth plan. 

The company anticipates manufacturing Easter products at the site next year.