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A Passion For Pasta, An Appetite For Jobs

30 March 2017

A local supplier of fresh pasta and ready-made meals in Derrimut is creating new jobs and expanding production as the Andrews Labor Government puts local manufacturing first.

Visiting Passion Pasta, Minister for Industry and Employment Wade Noonan announced the company had received a grant from the Labor Government’s Future Industries Manufacturing Program.

The company will use the funding to create 10 new jobs, and purchase and install a new boiler, cooker and freezer.

The $1.3 million project will help the company cook, pasteurise and sterilise fresh meals ready for shipment to market. It will also boost cooking production rates and increase product shelf life from 10 to 60 days.

The grant will also help boost exports – with a projected 3.5 million extra sales of fresh meals over the first five years of the project.

Passion Pasta targets caterers, delicatessens, restaurants, airlines and food service outlets and exports to Asia and the Middle East.

The family-owned company was founded in 2003 and provides a wide range of premium fresh, frozen and dry pasta, ready-made pasta meals, gluten free pasta and stir through pasta sauces.

The grant builds on 21 projects already underway to support Victorian manufacturers that are expected to create 180 new full time jobs.

Companies can apply for grants of up to $500,000 under the $13 million Future Industries Manufacturing Program. For more information, visit the Business Victoria website at www.business.vic.gov.au/fimpExternal Link or call 13 22 15.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Industry and Employment Wade Noonan

“We’re proud to get behind businesses like Passion Pasta to ensure we create new jobs, expand local manufacturing and open up export opportunities.”

“This is a classic example of a business going from strength to strength, and we’ll continue to give them the support they need.”

Quotes attributable to Member for Kororoit Marlene Kairouz

“It’s great to see a family-owned company like Passion Pasta making big strides across the hospitality sector and in our export markets.”

“Thanks to our government’s support, they’ll create new jobs and purchase equipment to improve pasta production.”

Reviewed 19 August 2020

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