Bega to close Strathmerton cheese processing plant by mid-2026

Bega Cheese Limited (Bega Group) announced on 6 May 2025 that it will close its cheese processing and packaging operation in Strathmerton, northern Victoria, and consolidate its operations into its existing site at Ridge Street, Bega.

The company will also be investing in the Ridge Street site to improve its capability and modernise the cheese processing and packing operations.

“As the business maintains its focus on delivering productivity improvement and growth, we continue to look at opportunities to simplify our operational footprint and invest for the future, ensuring we maintain globally competitive infrastructure,” said Bega Group Chief Executive Officer Pete Findlay.

While the announcement has been a surprise for some of the employees, the company said it is working closely with the 300 staff whose roles are impacted by this change to support them through the transition.

“We are very aware of the impact of this decision, and we are doing our best to manage this transition with care and respect for our Strathmerton employees and the local community. Where possible, we will offer re-deployment to employees and continue to support them through this period,” Findlay said.

Bega Cheese will continue to have a strong presence in Victoria, retaining five manufacturing facilities in the state, including Tatura, Morwell, Chelsea, Koroit and Port Melbourne, and employing over 1700 Victorians. The investment at the Ridge Street site is expected to create approximately 100 jobs in the Bega Valley.

The phased closure of the Strathmerton site is expected to be complete by mid-2026.

Image credit: Bega Group