500,000 tonnes... and counting
When BioMar Australia began producing aquaculture feed at Wesley Vale in 2020, it marked a significant new chapter in BioMar’s relationship with the fish farmers of Australia and New Zealand.
Our regions had already been using BioMar feeds manufactured overseas, but growing demand created the opportunity to establish a permanent local presence.
Six years on and BioMar Australia has reached an important milestone: more than 500,000 tonnes of feed supplied to aquaculture producers across Australia and New Zealand.
It is a significant number. But what does 500,000 tonnes of feed actually mean?
That 500,000 tonnes of feed helped the fish farmers of Australia and New Zealand put approximately 1.75 billion healthy, sustainable, and tasty meals on the world's tables.
For BioMar Australia Managing Director David Whyte, that broader impact is what gives the milestone its meaning.
“Surpassing 500,000 tonnes of feed is an important milestone, but 500,000 tonnes is the score so far— it’s not the game,” David said.
“The game is the care that goes into every tonne of feed we make. It is about providing high-quality nutrition that supports healthy fish, helps our customers succeed and, ultimately, contributes to producing food for people all over the world.
“It’s pretty awesome to be part of such a dynamic global industry and to see the role our talented team is playing in it.”
Growing with our customers
The milestone comes at a time of continued growth for BioMar Australia.
Demand from customers across Australia and New Zealand has seen the Wesley Vale facility recently move to 24-hour production, increasing local manufacturing capacity and creating additional employment opportunities for Tasmanians, particularly in the north of the state.
At the same time, BioMar Australia has welcomed its 93rd employee, a long way from the startup team of 38 in March 2020.
But while BioMar Australia has grown considerably over the past six years, that growth has been in partnership with the farmers.
Every tonne of feed that has left Wesley Vale represents a customer who has trusted BioMar to play a part in their business.
Our customers have worked alongside us, challenged us, shared their knowledge and experience, and helped us continue to improve our products and the way we support the aquaculture industry.
That growth has also been made possible by the many suppliers and service providers who enable our operations every day — from transport and warehousing to ports, waste management and other essential services across our supply chain.
Some have been part of the BioMar Australia story from the very beginning. Others have joined us along the way.
To every one of them: thank you.
Thank you for choosing to work with us, for trusting our people and our products, and for allowing us to contribute to your businesses.
Reaching 500,000 tonnes is something we are enormously proud of, but it is also a reminder that no milestone like this happens in isolation.
From putting down roots in Tasmania to operating around the clock today, BioMar Australia has grown because the aquaculture industry around us has grown too.
So, after more than half a million tonnes of feed, 1.75 billion meals, a move to 24/7 production and a team now approaching 100 people, how does Davey feel?
“Pretty knackered, if I’m honest.”
