Relco Europe said it signed a contract with New Zealand-based Fonterra to manufacture L-Tech lactose plant, evaporators and consumption equipment for Fonterra’s new dairy ingredients plant in Heerenveen, The Netherlands. Relco designs, builds and installs process solutions for the global dairy industry. It is headquartered in Willmar, Minn., with offices in Drachten, The Netherlands and Auckland, New Zealand.

 The new whey and lactose plant will be built adjacent to a new cheese factory on a 17-hectare (42-acres) green field site and run by Netherlands-based A-ware Food Group. The new plant will produce whey protein and lactose, supporting Fonterra’s customers’ demand for premium whey ingredients. Both plants are scheduled to be completed in late 2014.