Norco celebrates reopening anniversary after injecting $50 million into economy

NORCO has marked the two-year anniversary of its Lismore factory reopening, celebrating with hundreds of free ice creams and outlining a $50 million economic boost to the Northern Rivers.

Since reopening in 2023, the site has had the capacity to produce 42 million litres of ice cream in a new flood-resilient layout.

The economic injection has come through continued employment, supplier partnerships and output from operations.

Norco chief executive Michael Hampson said the contribution had exceeded the value of the government funding that helped the site return to production.

The factory needed to be rebuilt and received about $34 million in state and federal government grants to keep its 130 workers employed.

“That is especially why we wanted this milestone to be a community celebration,” Hampson said.

“We are incredibly proud that in just two years, our operation has been able to repay the community.”

Children and adults flocked to the event which included cow-themed face painting and games.

People also had the chance to try an array of treats, including the popular Cape Byron ice cream.

The milestone coincided with National Agriculture Day which acknowledged the contribution of more than 100 dairy farmers on the Northern Rivers.

“This celebration was about recognising the strength and spirit of the Lismore community, and especially on National Agriculture Day, honouring our producers who work tirelessly to deliver Australia’s best tasting dairy,” Hampson said.

“We’re immensely proud of what we’ve achieved together over the past two years and wanted to thank the community for their unwavering support.

“We made sure there was enough for everyone – parents and kids and in-laws alike – so that no family feuds erupted on our watch…even though we know our ice cream is definitely worth fighting over.”

Norco was established in Byron Bay in 1895 and services dairy farms in northern New South Wales and southeast Queensland.

Its new flood-proof design and technologies at the factory will enable the site to defend a 15 metre flood with a well-equipped action and response plan.