State govt backs food manufacturers in Melbourne’s north

Victorian Minister for Industry and Advanced Manufacturing Melissa Horne has announced support for three leading Victorian food manufacturers, including That’s Amore Cheese, Mr. Pitta and Picnic Foods. Together, these manufacturers are investing a combined $21.6m in Melbourne’s north, creating new local jobs in the state’s manufacturing sector.

Labor’s $150m Victorian Investment Fund is being used to help these businesses grow, create jobs and boost exports.

“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. “Our state’s manufacturing sector is a cornerstone of the economy — driving growth, productivity and prosperity, while building a more competitive economy for years to come.”

• Cheese producer That’s Amore Cheese will expand its Thomastown facility to include increased cold storage, new automation technologies and a new on-site research and development laboratory.
   

“This support is about more than machinery; it's an investment in the people of Thomastown. Giorgio Linguanti has always believed quality and heritage don’t have to come at the expense of growth, and it’s our whole team, past and present, that proves it every day. We’re deeply grateful to the Victorian Government for believing in that vision too,” said That’s Amore CEO Marco Alghisi.

• Fourth-generation family-owned business Mr. Pitta will establish a new Australian-first manufacturing facility in Campbellfield. The facility will provide access to advanced manufacturing equipment and energy-efficient technology that will help the company increase production and enter new export markets.
   

Mr. Pitta Managing Director Angelo Michailidis said: “The support from the Victorian Government will allow Mr. Pitta to expand our capabilities through advanced manufacturing, creating new jobs and keeping skilled employment here in Victoria. It will support the growth of our business, strengthen our local operations to provide our products around the country, and help us build a more efficient and sustainable future.”

• Family-owned Picnic Foods in Coolaroo will expand its manufacturing facility to support domestic and export growth. The expansion will include new advanced pastry manufacturing equipment, production lines and an R&D kitchen.
   

Picnic Foods Director Ibrahim Ozdemir said: “The establishment of Sahara Gourmet Bakehouse in Coolaroo marks an exciting new chapter. Supported by the Victorian Government, our $2.53 million investment will bring together new baking lines, automated equipment, cold storage and robotic packing, combining traditional food expertise with modern manufacturing technology. This project will create 15 new full-time equivalent jobs while retaining 55 existing positions. It will increase our production capacity, improve efficiency and safety, and maintain the consistent quality our customers expect.”

Image credit: iStock.com/sfe-co2