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How Sweet It Is: More Jobs For Ex-Auto Workers

17 May 2017

Former automotive workers will help manufacture some of Australia’s most iconic confectionery, thanks to investments made by the Andrews Labor Government.

Visiting Prydes Confectionery in Broadmeadows today, Minister for Industry and Employment Wade Noonan and Member for Broadmeadows Frank McGuire announced the company would take on 50 new workers – with 11 positions identified for auto workers.

Prydes Confectionery received funding from the Labor Government’s flagship Local Industry Fund for Transition (LIFT), which helps communities impacted by the closure of automotive manufacturing.

The company will begin a $4 million expansion to improve production and increase its domestic and export turnover.

The investment also safeguards Prydes Confectionery’s existing employee base.

Established in the 1930s, Prydes manufactures more than 60 million packets of confectionery a year, including popular products such as aniseed stars, black jelly beans, hard jubes and retro and boiled sweets.

Victoria accounts for almost half of Australia’s confectionery exports, producing $145 million worth of goods every year.

Two other companies have also benefited from LIFT funding, including Parthenon Marble in Melbourne’s north and Composite Materials Engineering in Melbourne’s south–east.

They’ll both expand their operations and create an additional 45 new roles, all suitable for former automotive workers.

The LIFT program – which received an additional $10 million in the Victorian Budget 2017/18 – is helping businesses expand their operations and create new jobs in communities hardest hit by the closure of automotive manufacturing.

LIFT has so far supported 32 projects from Victorian manufacturers that are expected to create 781 new jobs, including 633 positions suitable for former automotive workers.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Industry and Employment Wade Noonan

“This is a proud day for local manufacturing as we watch more ex-automotive workers find new opportunities in the workforce.”

“We are getting behind Prydes Confectionary so they can invest in their operations in Broadmeadows and create local jobs at a time when they are most needed.”

Quotes attributable to Member for Broadmeadows Frank McGuire

“We know that Broadmeadows has felt the impacts of the end of local car manufacturing – and it’s companies like Prydes Confectionery that are opening new doors.”

“We’re thrilled to see dozens of new jobs coming to this area, including opportunities for ex-auto workers.”

Reviewed 19 August 2020

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