Drinks firm Constellation Brands is planning to invest NZD50m ($32.82m) to expand its Marlborough winery in Blenheim, New Zealand.

The expansion will double the production of the winery andcreate new jobs in the sales, marketing and winery departments.

The company will use the investment for adding a new tank farm at its Drylands winery and installing winemaking equipment in order to meet the increasing demand for its Marlborough sauvignon blanc.

The expansion will also include the addition of a laboratory, waste treatment area, and staff building and car parking space for employees.

Construction work is expected to be completed in a span of three years.

Constellation Brands New Zealand managing director Sam Glaetzer was quoted by Foodbev.com as saying, "To keep up with this growing demand, we need to ensure we have the right sized winemaking facilities in our very important Marlborough region."

"We have worked closely with the Marlborough District Council over several years to evaluate expansion options.

"After considering alternative options, such as developing a new site or further expanding our Riverlands winery, our Drylands site was a clear preference for both the council and us."

The company has been negotiating with existing grapegrowers and signing deals with new growers to meet the increasing volume of production. It also plans to increase vineyard plantings, reports Stuff.co.nz.

Glaetzer was quoted by Stuff.co.nz as saying, "Last year we completed new vineyard plantings of around 450 hectares on both leased and owned land with plans to continue planting into the future."