Chilean Earthquake - Soprole S.A/

Fonterra has confirmed that all staff in Chile have been safely accounted for, including those who were on leave at the time of the earthquake.

“This is the result of a superb effort by our staff at Soprole, who have worked long hours, often in very difficult conditions,” said Fonterra’s Commercial Director, Latin America, Kevin Murray.

Fonterra said its efforts would now turn to supporting those staff who have lost homes and need to be relocated.

Recovery of the business operation is also progressing well with milk being collected, all factories operating to some extent and product moving through distribution to market, albeit with some restrictions.

Over the weekend a Telethon was held in Chile to raise money for disaster recovery. Fonterra and Soprole together donated NZ$1 million.

Fonterra, through its subsidiary Soprole, employs around 1,800 people in Chile.

Soprole has a head office in Santiago, four manufacturing sites at San Bernardo, Los Angeles, Osorno, and Los Lagos, nine regional distribution centres, and eight transport centres around the country.