Stawell’s biggest private sector employer is set to take on even more workers, boost its energy efficiency and expand production thanks to the Andrews Labor Government.
Minister for Industry and Employment Ben Carroll today visited Frewstal in Stawell to announce the company’s $7.83 million energy efficiency project that will help create 50 new jobs and boost export opportunities.
The project, which is backed by the Labor Government, will deliver freezer upgrades and building extensions, new meat preparation and packing equipment, and convert waste to energy.
Frewstal is a processor of lamb and mutton products exporting to 20 countries and supplying to Woolworths and Aldi using its own fleet of trucks.
The Labor Government is making sure Victorian manufacturers get the support they need to create jobs, grow and boost our economy.
Victorian manufacturing is thriving, recently recording 17 months of consecutive growth in the Australian Industry Group’s Performance Manufacturing Index – the longest run of expansion ever.
The growth in manufacturing is backed by the Labor Government’s $130 million in manufacturing support, which is creating over 6,000 jobs and driving $1.6 billion in private investment.
Victoria’s manufacturing industry contributes $27.7 billion to the Victorian economy, with over 13,000 businesses employing more than 280,000 people. It also exported $18.16 billion of manufactured goods in 2016-17.
Since November 2014, more than 48,000 jobs have been created in regional Victoria – with most of these full-time positions.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Industry and Employment Ben Carroll
“We’re backing businesses like Frewstal so they can grow jobs, increase productivity and take advantage of local and export market opportunities.”
“Victoria is home to the best manufacturers in the country – we’ll continue to support them now and into the future.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio
"Energy efficiency upgrades can drastically cut energy bills – that’s why we’re helping businesses across Victoria to make these improvements.”
"This upgrade will be friendlier to the environment, create jobs and allow a proud local business to grow.”
Quote attributable to Minister for Agriculture and Member for Western Victoria Jaala Pulford
“This is wonderful news for Stawell and a great vote of confidence in our meat industry which is so successful here and around the world – it’s great to see Stawell’s biggest private sector employer go from strength to strength.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020