Proserpine Mill’s new store building is open for business.

Construction of the $2.8 million building was finalised in May, with Wilmar Sugar employees moving into their new offices last week.

The two-storey, prefab structure replaces the store and offices destroyed by fire in January 2020.

Wilmar Sugar General Manager Purchasing, Procurement and Supply Rohan Whitmee said the building was constructed in a new location on site to improve vehicle access and traffic management.

He said the purpose-built store featured a number of design improvements on its predecessor.

“It has a substantial increase in racking and shelving in the main storage area and has a climate-controlled storage space,” Mr Whitmee said.

In addition to the store, the new building houses the site’s first aid room, a training room, some offices, and amenities, including an ambulant toilet.

Mr Whitmee said that after more than a year working out of temporary store facilities, both on and off site, the store team was pleased to be back in a permanent home.

“The site was without a permanent store for the best part of two maintenance seasons and one whole crushing season,” he said.

“Despite the many challenges that presented, everyone on site worked well together to ensure there was no significant impact on operations.

“It’s a credit to the whole Proserpine team.”

A site barbecue was held on Thursday, 17 June to officially open the new building and to enable employees to check out the new facilities.

Proserpine Mill will start the 2021 crushing season on Tuesday, 29 June.