An iconic food retailer and manufacturer will establish a new processing site in Melbourne’s North-West to develop new products, boost its capability and create 100 jobs, thanks to support from the Andrews Labor Government.
Minister for Industry and Employment Ben Carroll today joined Member for Sunbury Josh Bull at LaManna Food Group Pty in Tullamarine to announce a Future Industry Manufacturing Program grant to help the company embark on an expansion project.
Mr Carroll also announced grants for 19 other companies through the Future Industry Manufacturing Program, which are expected to create a further 196 new jobs.
As part of its project, LaManna Food Group Pty Ltd will set up a dedicated food processing operation in Tullamarine to make ready to eat meals, salads, meal solutions, bread, sweets, ice-cream, savouries, nuts, dried fruits as well as allergen friendly foods.
These new products will be supplied to LaManna’s existing supermarket at Essendon Fields and enable the company to branch out to other retailers and online markets.
The new site, which will feature new packaging and food processing equipment and an IT software system, will help the company to improve its product packaging, capability and productivity, and reduce processing times.
Through this project, LaManna is expected to create around 100 new jobs, set up a dedicated product innovation team and upskill its workers in food handling and other areas of expertise.
Across the state, Victoria's food manufacturers employ over 66,000 people and exports from the industry reached almost $7 billion in 2016-17.
FIMP grants support job creation by helping Victorian companies implement new manufacturing technologies, improve productivity and target new export opportunities.
The Program has supported 65 projects that are expected to create 738 new jobs.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Industry and Employment, Ben Carroll
“We’re proud to back LaManna Food Group – an iconic local company – as it embarks on this project to innovate, create jobs and grow its operations.”
“Victorian manufacturing is thriving and this expansion in Melbourne’s North-West will drive additional investment and jobs in the sector.”
Quotes attributable to Member for Sunbury Josh Bull
“Food manufacturing is at the heart of this area and it’s local businesses like LaManna that are leading the way.”
Other businesses to receive FIMP grants are:
- Abey Australia (Melton)
- Australian International Foods Pty Ltd (Scoresby)
- Australian Steel Pty Ltd (Braeside)
- Bronzeworks (Richmond)
- Columbia Australia P/L (Cheltenham)
- Coringle Furniture (Aust) Pty Ltd (Ringwood)
- Doogood Powdercoating (Hallam)
- Langford Family Holdings Pty Ltd (Mordialloc)
- Larsen Engineering Pty Ltd (Barandura)
- Metaltex Australia Pty Ltd (Dandenong)
- Metford Industries Pty Ltd (Swan Hill)
- Norton Gates (Hastings)
- Osteon Medical Pty Ltd (Clayton)
- Pharmaceutical Packaging Professionals (Port Melbourne)
- Quik Corp Pty Ltd (Laverton North)
- Ronson Gears (Highett)
- Trafford Group (Nathalia)
- The Product Makers (Keysborough)
- Triggs’ Trellis Supplies Pty Ltd (Cabarita)
Reviewed 19 August 2020