Katunga Fresh

<p class="rteBlock">Katunga Fresh is one of Australia’s largest hydroponic tomato producers, based in Victoria’s Goulburn Valley. Each year, they cultivate more than 7 million kilograms of tomatoes, supplying both local and international markets. Known for their focus on sustainable agriculture, Katunga Fresh is at the forefront of innovation, combining high-volume production with environmentally responsible farming practices.</p><br><p class="rteBlock">As part of their long-term growth strategy, Katunga Fresh undertook a landmark infrastructure project: the creation of a new 3,584m² processing facility that would not only streamline tomato handling but also integrate with cutting-edge renewable energy systems.</p>

<p class="rteBlock">Katunga Fresh was facing growing pressure from rising energy costs, limited efficiency in its existing facilities, and the need to create a future-proof solution to support its expansion. Their vision went beyond simply building a processing facility, this project would become the foundation for a revolutionary bioenergy system, powered by ECHO2 technology.</p><br><p class="rteBlock">The ECHO2 plant converts local organic residues such as straw and crop waste into hydrogen-rich Syngas and Biochar, enabling Katunga Fresh to generate renewable energy, reduce landfill use, and reinvest in their agricultural systems.</p><p class="rteBlock">The brief was clear: deliver a robust, efficient, and future-ready facility that would support both advanced food processing and next-generation energy technology.</p>

<p class="rteBlock">Steelcorp was engaged to design, engineer, fabricate, and supply the complete structural steel and building envelope solution for the $1.5–$1.6 million project.</p><br><p class="rteBlock">Our scope included:</p><ul class="rteBlock defaultList"><li><strong>Structural Package:</strong> Design, engineering, fabrication, coating, and installation of 55+ tonnes of steel.</li><li><strong>Cladding and Rainwater Systems:</strong> Ensuring durability, weather protection, and long-term performance.</li><li><strong>Foundations and Footings:</strong> Providing a stable base for heavy processing machinery and integrated energy systems.</li><li><strong>System Integration:</strong> Coordinating with mechanical, energy, and glasshouse systems to ensure seamless functionality.</li></ul><p class="rteBlock">The installation team delivered an exceptional result, completing all structural steelwork in just one week.</p>

<p class="rteBlock">The new processing facility has become the centrepiece of Katunga Fresh’s production and sustainability strategy, delivering benefits well beyond traditional infrastructure:</p><ul class="rteBlock defaultList"><li><strong>Energy Independence:</strong> The facility and ECHO2 plant will eliminate grid reliance, using Syngas to heat glasshouses.</li><li><strong>Cost Savings: </strong>More than $3M in energy savings are expected annually, with 145,000 GJ of natural gas returned to the grid each year.</li><li><strong>Environmental Impact:</strong> Organic waste is now converted into renewable energy and Biochar, reducing landfill while enhancing agricultural soils.</li><li><strong>Circular Economy: </strong>Wood vinegar and Biochar by-products are reused within farming operations.</li><li><strong>Production Efficiency: </strong>Streamlined tomato processing improves output and reduces post-harvest loss.</li><li><strong>Sustainability Leadership:</strong> Backed by Sustainability Victoria’s $8M Bioenergy Fund, this project represents the largest bioenergy investment in Victoria’s history.</li></ul><p class="rteBlock">Energy generated from the facility is equivalent to powering 3,410 homes annually, setting a new benchmark for clean energy in agriculture.</p><br><p class="rteBlock">Steelcorp’s delivery of a future-ready 3,584m² facility has positioned Katunga Fresh as a leader in both horticulture and renewable energy. The project showcases how innovative engineering and sustainable design can transform agriculture, creating long-term economic, operational, and environmental benefits.</p><br><p class="rteBlock">This isn’t just a building, it’s an ecosystem that represents the future of Australian farming.</p>