Macedon Ranges’ biggest private employer will be able to create more local jobs, become more energy efficiency and expand its production capacity, thanks to support from the Andrews Labor Government.
Minister for Industry and Employment Ben Carroll today visited Hardwicks Meatworks in Kyneton to announce an Industry Energy Support Stream grant to help the business undertake a range of power-saving projects and boost its capacity.
The grant will support an $11.5 million investment at the meat processing facility, including $4 million towards a large-scale photovoltaic, battery and microgrid project.
The development will also include new waste water treatment solutions and cold store facilities for lamb and beef processing to increase the capacity of operations that will benefit from the energy savings.
The project will create 80 new jobs and support the current workforce of 450 employees, as the company looks to expand into new export markets.
The Labor Government is attracting new businesses to Victoria and helping existing businesses expand and create new jobs with its $90 million industry support grants program.
Hardwicks Meatworks is a family-owned meat processor of premium quality beef and lamb for domestic and export markets which has been based in Kyneton for nearly forty years.
It is one of over 300 businesses the Labor Government has consulted with to understand how rising energy price are affecting businesses.
From these discussions, the Government has provided support to help businesses carry out assessments and feasibility studies to reduce energy costs and improve their energy efficiency.
For more information visit business.vic.gov.au/energy-support.
Quote attributable to Minister for Industry and Employment Ben Carroll
“This project is a big win for the whole Macedon Ranges community, with 80 new jobs and a bright future for the region’s biggest employer.”
Quote attributable to Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio
“We’re helping companies like Hardwicks Meats create jobs in regional Victoria by supporting their power saving projects and increasing their energy efficiency.”
Quote attributable to Member for Macedon Mary-Anne Thomas
“Hardwicks is a great local company and with this Investment, Labor will help secure the future of the business and hundreds of local jobs.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020