Oberon Produce – Hydroponics Tomato will come to Oberon from Warrigal in Victoria next month, and will commence production early in 2010.

Owner, Horst Severin Sjostedt, who is originally from Sweden and has grown tomatoes all over the world for 41 years, is relocating his entire business to Oberon, which will consist of a 1600 square metre greenhouse in the industrial estate and also another ten glass greenhouses to be erected on a piece of land on the outskirts of Oberon.

Horst said that Oberon is ideal for growing tomatoes due to its altitude, excellent light, and temperature, as well as the access to natural gas, power, good water and staff.

Horst will begin constructing his greenhouse in September, and will start seeding tomatoes in early December of this year.

Horst predicts his first harvest will occur in April of 2010.

Horst said he will first begin to sell his tomatoes locally in Oberon and surrounding areas, and then will expand to Sydney and wider from that point.

Horst said he will begin with a smaller team of employees and grow from there, and will soon be looking for four part time employees for his Hydroponic Tomato business.

The Hydroponic Tomato business is the first in a growing line of new businesses to come to the town, with Sydney based manufacturer All Poly Tanks to relocate from St Mary's to Oberon's industrial estate.

All Poly Tanks hopes to be operational by early next year, and will employ six locals.