- Published:
- Tuesday 13 February 2018
Braeside food manufacturer and distributor Chef’s Pantry is ramping up production and hiring 12 new staff, thanks to a grant from the Andrews Labor Government.
Minister for Industry and Employment Ben Carroll and Member for Keysborough Martin Pakula toured the business today and announced a $90,000 grant from the Future Industries Manufacturing Program.
The grant is part of Chef’s Pantry’s $360,000 expansion – allowing them to invest in new technology like cutters, slicers, washers and bagging machines that will increase its production capacity to meet growing demand.
The expansion project will also allow Chef’s Pantry to launch a speciality range of relishes, salads and ready-to-eat meals to cater to changing consumer needs.
The business supplies more than 90 tonnes of fresh-cut and processed produce every week to more than 1,000 food service companies, including restaurants, hotels and fast food outlets in Victoria, as well as companies interstate and overseas.
Established by Andrew Grunfeld in 1989, the business grew from a small operation in Moorabbin to become a leading food manufacturer in Victoria, with 28 staff led by Andrew and his son Daniel.
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.
The Labor Government’s Advancing Victorian Manufacturing – A Blueprint for the Future sets out a clear vision for manufacturing, showcasing existing advanced manufacturing capabilities and outlining ways to grow.
Victoria’s manufacturing industry contributes $27.7 billion to the economy, is made up of more than 13,000 businesses and employs more than 286,000 people, an increase of more than 20,000 over the last two years.
This bucks the national trend, with the rest of Australia losing 2,500 manufacturing jobs over the same period.
Manufacturing is Victoria’s fourth largest employer and is responsible for $17.9 billion worth of goods exports.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Industry and Employment Ben Carroll
“With our support, more Victorian companies are capturing new markets, creating jobs and growing our economy.”
“We’re helping Chef’s Pantry put more products on more tables both here and overseas – that’s a win for them, a win for local workers and a win for food service companies seeking high-quality Victorian goods.”
Quote attributable to Member for Keysborough Martin Pakula
“It’s fantastic to see this local Braeside business continue to go from strength to strength. Our investment will mean more export opportunities for the Chef’s Pantry and new jobs for our community.”