Premier Daniel Andrews today joined SPC workers and local growers to officially open the first stage of the $100 million modernisation and renewal project underway at the SPC Ardmona fruit processing plant in Shepparton.
The Victorian Government contributed $22 million to the modernisation and renewal project, which was a co-investment with SPC Ardmona’s parent company, Coca-Cola Amatil.
The project will safeguard 500 jobs at SPC Ardmona and up to 2,700 jobs with growers and suppliers to the fruit processing plant in Shepparton. The investment in the new high-speed snack line is the first phase of a $100 million investment program which will transform the century-old cannery into a modern food company.
The upgraded food-processing operations will enable SPC Ardmona to increase its domestic and global range to include consumer-ready products that are in increasingly high demand among Australia’s key export markets.
The Andrews Labor Government recognises the importance of the fruit processing industry in Victoria and this upgraded facility is essential to support the local economy and secure the company’s long-term future in the Goulburn Valley.
The Labor Government is committed to supporting regional jobs and facilitating new export opportunities for the State’s food and fibre sector – identified by the Government as one of six priority sectors for growth.
The Government’s $500 million Regional Jobs and Infrastructure Fund will support major projects, create the jobs and industries of the future and build stronger regional communities.
Quotes attributable to Premier Daniel Andrews
“The Goulburn Valley is the heart and soul of Victoria’s fruit processing industry and unlike Tony Abbott, the Andrews Government will never abandon local jobs in the region.”
“The new processing line will enable SPC Ardmona to produce higher value, consumer-ready products of the kind that are in increasing demand in local and overseas markets.”
“This is a great outcome for SPC Ardmona, its workers and all its suppliers and a testament to their hard work.”
Quotes attributable to the Member for Northern Victoria, Jaclyn Symes
“Today belongs to the amazing SPC workers and local Shepparton community who fought so hard to save SPC.”
“Victorian Labor listened and together we dragged the former Liberal-National Government kicking and screaming to write a new chapter for SPC.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020