The Andrews Labor Government is helping iconic Australian smallgoods manufacturer D’Orsogna create more than 100 new jobs, including those suitable for former auto workers, through its $61 million expansion in Mickleham.
Minister for Industry and Employment Ben Carroll turned the first sod at the site of the company’s new factory in the Merrifield Business Park, which will create more than 50 additional jobs during construction.
The expansion, made possible through the Labor Government’s Local Industry Fund for Transition, will include a new purpose-built facility that includes cooking, smoking, cooling, storing, slicing and packaging equipment.
The new facility will make use of the latest developments in processing and packaging technology, which will advance the company’s growth strategy in both domestic and export markets.
D’Orsogna is a family owned manufacturer of ham, bacon and other smallgoods, established in 1949. The company supplies Woolworths, Coles, Metcash and various food service businesses across Australia.
The food and fibre sector is Victoria’s biggest goods export sector, exporting nearly $12 billion annually. The sector contributes approximately five per cent of Victoria’s GSP and employs over 193,000 people.
The transition grants help businesses generate new investment and create jobs for retrenched workers in areas affected by the closure of car manufacturing.
The initiative has supported 38 projects so far, which are expected to create close to 1,000 jobs – more than 800 of which are suitable for former automotive workers.
The Labor Government has committed over $100 million in manufacturing support, creating over 3,500 jobs and driving more than $1.2 billion in private investment.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Industry and Employment Ben Carroll
“The D’Orsogna expansion is creating jobs, boosting the food and fibre sector and further cements Victoria as the home of manufacturing in Australia.”
“This massive expansion will boost the local economy and create much needed jobs in Melbourne’s North.”
Quote attributable to Member for Yuroke Ros Spence
“Thanks to support from the Andrews Labor Government, this expansion will bring jobs to Melbourne’s North and reaffirm this region as the hub for food manufacturing.”
Quote attributable to D’Orsogna Managing Director Brad Thomason
“We chose Victoria for its competitive operating environment, reputation in foods, access to key transport infrastructure and rapidly growing local and export markets; and we appreciate the ongoing efforts of the Victorian Government in helping establish and expand our presence here.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020