- Published:
- Wednesday 16 May 2018
A meat processor in Colac will expand its operations and create new local jobs thanks to support from the Andrews Labor Government.
Treasurer Tim Pallas visited Australian Lamb Colac (ALC) today to announce a Local Industry Fund for Transition (LIFT) grant that will help the company embark on a $10 million investment project.
The expansion will create 40 new jobs, all of which will be suitable for ex-auto workers.
The company also works closely with Jobs Victoria to provide opportunities to long term unemployed job seekers in the Colac Area.
As part of its project, the company will expand its cold storage capacity for lamb and mutton, reduce existing operational bottlenecks, save on costs and increase its processing capacity.
The project will enable ALC to boost its domestic and global exports markets, and position the company as the largest and most technologically advanced processor of lamb and mutton domestically.
Founded in 1989, ALC processes approximately 2.2 million lambs/sheep per annum, and exports its products to Asia, the Middle East, Europe and the United States of America.
Across the state, Victoria's food manufacturers employ over 66,000 people and exports from the industry reached almost $7 billion in 2016/17.
The Labor Government has provided over $120 million in manufacturing support, creating over 5,000 jobs and driving more than $1.5 billion in private investment.
LIFT helps businesses generate new investment and create jobs for retrenched workers in areas affected by the closure of car manufacturing. To date, the initiative has supported 41 projects that are expected to create 1,550 new jobs, 947 of which are suitable for ex auto workers.
For more information about LIFT, visit www.business.vic.gov.au/lift.
Quotes attributable to Treasurer Tim Pallas
“We’re proud to support local communities such as Colac that have been impacted by the closure of car manufacturing.”
“Thanks to our support, companies like Australian Lamb Colac are expanding, creating jobs and growing local economies.”