This story previously attributed the factory expansion to growth in cottage cheese consumption. Goodman Fielder has since corrected its statementDemand for UHT milk products is driving a major dairy factory expansion in the South Island.The new Meadow Fresh plant, part of the company's $100 million expansion over three years, was officially opened today by Prime Minister Christopher Luxon.The investment has created 25 new jobs for the region, taking the Meadow Fresh Christchurch team to 280 people. UHT milk, both plain and flavoured in a range of sizes, and also high protein UHT drinks were produced at the site.The expansion supports Goodman Fielder's presence in China and Southeast Asia, including a long-term supply partnership with Yihai Kerry Arawana, a subsidiary of Wilmar International, for the regions' retail and foodservice markets."The investment in this plant is a response to growing domestic and export demand and reflects our confidence in New Zealand's ability to produce world-leading, high-quality dairy products," said Goodman Fielder New Zealand CEO Mr Duignan said.The Christchurch factory includes a state-of-the-art R&D pilot plant for new product development, ultra-filtration technology for high-protein dairy products and an automated pallet racking system to efficiently move finished products through the supply chain.It also forms part of a broader programme of investment by Wilmar International and Goodman Fielder in New Zealand. Over the past five years, the companies have invested approximately $300 million in local manufacturing.Across Christchurch and Longburn in Palmerston North, more than 500 people work in Goodman Fielder's Meadow Fresh dairy operations. The two sites handle more than 250 million litres of milk annually.Meadow Fresh has been producing dairy products in New Zealand for more than 60 years, with roots in Canterbury and across the South Island. Its products are sold throughout New Zealand across retail and foodservice channels, with the brand also growing in markets throughout the Pacific and Southeast Asia.Goodman Fielder employs approximately 1700 people across 12 manufacturing sites in New Zealand. Its portfolio includes some of the country's best-known food brands, including Meadow Fresh, Puhoi Valley, Vogel's, Freya's, Molenberg, Nature's Fresh, Olivani, Edmonds and Chelsea Sugar.