Food manufacturing businesses in Melbourne’s north will receive support for $21.6 million in combined investments aimed at expanding production, strengthening export capabilities and creating almost 50 local jobs, according to the Victorian Government.
Minister for Industry and Advanced Manufacturing Melissa Horne announced support for three Victorian food manufacturers: That’s Amore Cheese, Mr. Pitta and Picnic Foods, which are undertaking expansion projects in Thomastown, Campbellfield and Coolaroo.
That’s Amore Cheese will expand its Thomastown facility with additional cold storage, automation technologies and an on-site research and development laboratory to increase production and export capabilities.
Mr. Pitta, a fourth-generation family-owned business, will establish a new manufacturing facility in Campbellfield featuring advanced manufacturing equipment and energy-efficient technology. The company said the investment would help expand production and support entry into new export markets.
Meanwhile, Picnic Foods will expand its Coolaroo facility with advanced pastry manufacturing equipment, new production lines and an R&D kitchen.
The Victorian Government said the projects would strengthen local manufacturing capabilities, increase export production and support more sustainable practices.
“We’re supporting manufacturing businesses in Melbourne’s north to expand because it means more local jobs, more innovation and more Victorian-made products on shelves across the country and the world,” Horne said.
That’s Amore Cheese chief executive Marco Alghisi said the support would help the business grow while investing in its workforce.
“This support is about more than machinery; it’s an investment in the people of Thomastown,” Alghisi said.
Picnic Foods director Ibrahim Ozdemir said the establishment of Sahara Gourmet Bakehouse in Coolaroo would combine traditional food expertise with modern manufacturing technology. The company’s $2.53 million investment is expected to create 15 full-time equivalent jobs while retaining 55 existing positions, he said.
The government said Victoria’s manufacturing sector employs around 260,000 people and contributes $37.4 billion to the state’s economy, generating more than $29 billion in annual exports.
The projects are being supported through the Victorian Government’s $150 million Victorian Investment Fund, which aims to help businesses expand, create jobs and increase exports.
