Victoria’s manufacturing sector is set to receive a boost, with the Victorian Government supporting a $92 million expansion by George Weston Foods at its Mauri flour mill in Ballarat, aimed at increasing production capacity and creating regional jobs.
According to the Victorian Government, the project will deliver a new warehouse and production facility at the Ballarat site, alongside upgrades to other parts of the company’s network, including its Tip Top bakery operations.
The expansion is expected to create 47 jobs in Ballarat and support the company’s broader workforce of more than 3,000 employees across the state.
The investment is being supported through the government’s $150 million Victorian Investment Fund, which targets projects aimed at driving economic growth, particularly in regional and rural areas.
The Ballarat facility is located within the Ballarat West Employment Zone, a precinct the government says has received more than $45 million in funding to unlock land for commercial development, building on a prior $30 million partnership with the City of Ballarat.
Minister for Industry and Advanced Manufacturing Colin Brooks said the project highlighted the strength of the state’s food manufacturing sector. “George Weston Foods’ expansion is a win for regional Victoria and is a testament to the strength of our food manufacturing sector, which is why we’re proud to support it,” he said.
“We’re setting a bold new direction for local industry and backing it in with real support that will shift the dial on productivity.”
Minister for Economic Growth and Jobs Steve Dimopoulos said the state continued to attract investment across key industries.
“We have a strong track record of attracting businesses to Victoria because we’re a great place to live, work and do business. We’re targeting investment in the industries and regions where we can have the greatest impact,” he said.
Minister for Regional Development Michaela Settle said the expansion would contribute to long-term regional growth.
“We’re supporting our regions to thrive by opening the door to more investment, growing more long-term jobs, and boosting the competitiveness of regional businesses and industries to fuel our state,” she said.
Local members also pointed to the benefits for the Ballarat region. Member for Ripon Martha Haylett said the project would create employment opportunities close to home, while Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison said the Ballarat West Employment Zone was fulfilling its role in attracting investment and generating jobs.
George Weston Foods CEO Paul Foster said the company remained committed to its operations in Victoria.
“With almost $500 million invested in our operations over the last decade alone, George Weston Foods is committed to being a long-term employer in Victoria, in partnership with the Victorian Government,” he said.
Mauri ANZ Managing Director Cameron Miners said the Ballarat expansion would introduce new technology to the region.
“Mauri looks forward to being an integral part of the Ballarat community, bringing new jobs and investment through a state-of-the-art milling process, the first of its kind in the southern hemisphere, to Western Victoria,” he said.
The Victorian Government said the project reflects continued investment in the state’s $47 billion food and beverage manufacturing industry, which employs more than 78,000 people.
