AUSTRALIA | Guests gathered to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Ferrero Australia’s Lithgow factory, marking fifty years of memories, familiar faces, and new connections.
Established in 1976 as Ferrero’s first factory outside Europe, the Lithgow plant initially produced Tic Tac before introducing Nutella production in 1978.
Today, the factory produces only Nutella, manufacturing about 15 million kilos each year for Australia, New Zealand and markets in East and North Asia.
Guests came together to reflect on the people, work and values that have shaped the site over five decades, with the celebration featuring speeches, staff awards, the cutting of a special 50th anniversary cake, and activities exploring sustainability, food safety and quality.
Among those attending Ferrero's 50th anniversary event were Trish Doyle MP, Member for Blue Mountains, Andrew Gee MP, Member for Calare, Paul Toole, MP, Member for Bathurst, Cassandra Coleman, Mayor Lithgow City Council, and Eric Mahony, Deputy Mayor Lithgow City Council, alongside employees, former employees, families and local community partners.
Christopher Hinton, Region Industrial Manager at the Lithgow factory, said the anniversary celebrated the people behind the milestone.
“Fifty years is an incredible milestone, but what makes it special is the people behind it. This celebration was about bringing together the many local friends and families who have all contributed to the Lithgow factory, and celebrating the pride, commitment and memories they have built here,” said Hinton.
“It has been fantastic to see former colleagues reconnect, families come together, and our current team share what they do with the people who matter most to them. That sense of pride and connection is something really special to Lithgow.”
A highlight of the day was the NSW Government’s Sustainability Advantage Program presenting Platinum Project recognition, delivered by Trish Doyle MP, acknowledging the sustainability outcomes achieved at Ferrero’s Lithgow site.
The recognition reflects local employees' contribution to these achievements and was a fitting addition to the celebration of the factory’s history and future. Ferrero’s international and local leaders, past and present, also attended to mark the milestone.
Ferrero has continued to invest in the Lithgow site’s future, with AUD 30 million invested over the past three years, including a rooftop solar array capable of generating up to 20 percent of the factory’s electricity needs and a new electric hazelnut roaster that has reduced gas requirements by nearly 90 percent.
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