Working on plans for new mill following extensive fire

NEW ONE PLANNED: Corson Grain have begun the process to replace their mill facility in Cochrane Street in the wake of the fire that caused extensive damage to the plant in early March (pictured). The company aims to have it operational for the 2024 harvest season. File picture

Corson Grain have started on a replacement plan for the mill in Cochrane Street that was badly damaged in a blaze on March 3.

In an advisory letter to their growers, chief executive Brett Thompson has said the fire compounded the impact of the cyclone on the company’s grain maize crops.

“Fortunately, we have good insurance cover and are pleased to report our claim has been accepted and we are starting to work on a mill replacement plan for Gisborne.

“Quotes are coming in for a new mill and we are working through the details as quickly as we can so that work can start, and a new mill can be fired up in 2024,” Mr Thompson said.

“This is great news as it means we can confidently step into 2024 growing programmes.

“In the interim we are drying in Gisborne and then shifting grain to our Tuakau mill for processing, while supplementing supply of finished product imported from our Australian mills as well.

“This is less than ideal, but is holding the New Zealand business together for domestic supply to our customers who have been very supportive and understanding through this process,”

Mr Thompson also addressed some remarks to growers impacted by the damaging weather systems.

“Our thoughts are with everyone whose livelihoods have been impacted and we’re doing what we can around procuring your maize under the circumstances.

“The impact of cyclones and then the mill fire for us means it will be an extremely challenging year ahead for Corson as well.

“Our team along with yourselves, other suppliers and customers remain our priority.

“With our milling staff we continue to work with them re deployment opportunities into Australia, Tuakau or into other local businesses.

“It’s been a tough time for everyone as we have explored these options and face a period of no milling in Gisborne for at least the next 12 months,” Mr Thompson said.

“Meantime, the harvest is under way, and our team are working hard to see what can be salvaged for our growers.

“It’s fair to say we won’t know how much can be salvaged, but a fair amount has been lost to food grade milling and will be going into stock food or can’t be harvested.”

Mr Thompson said they will do their best to work through the situation with their growers.