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A Jobs Fiesta For Bayside Mexican Food Supplier

15 March 2017

A boutique Mexican food supplier will create 10 new jobs, invest in state-of-the-art equipment and boost its productivity thanks to a grant from the Andrews Labor Government.

Visiting El Cielo Foods in Port Melbourne, Minister for Industry and Employment Wade Noonan announced the company had received funding from the Future Industries Manufacturing Program.

El Cielo Foods will purchase and install equipment including conveyers, packaging and bagging machines, hoppers and industrial sifters.

The grant will also be used to establish a new facility in Airport West and upskill existing workers through specialised training for a new production line.

The company hopes to triple its production of corn chips – sourced from locally grown corn – to meet increased demand.

Established in 2012, the company is a leading manufacturer of traditional corn tortilla, traditional corn chips and tostadas.

El Cielo Foods produces its own corn flour and masa (dough) on site in Port Melbourne using traditional Mexican manufacturing processes, and distributes them nationwide.

This grant builds on the 19 projects already underway to support Victorian manufacturers, which are set to create 159 new full time jobs.

Companies can apply for grants of up to $500,000 under the $13 million grants program.

For more information, visit Business Victoria website www.business.vic.gov.au/fimpExternal Link or call 13 22 15.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Industry and Employment Wade Noonan

“These grants are giving businesses like El Cielo foods a chance to grow their workforce and expand production.”

“We’re proud to be helping manufacturers invest in new technologies that will transition Victoria towards an advanced manufacturing economy.”

Quote attributable to Member for Albert Park Martin Foley

“It’s great to see this local Port Melbourne supplier maintain a bayside base, while creating new jobs and expanding production.”

Quote attributable to Member for Niddrie Ben Carroll

“Our funding support is helping this boutique supplier grow its operations and set up a new facility at Airport West – a win for local manufacturing.”

Reviewed 19 August 2020

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