The Victorian Coalition Government, in partnership with the Federal Government and Ford Australia, has announced funding assistance to Broadmeadows-based food manufacturer Colonial Farm to help the company establish a third production line at its new manufacturing and warehouse plant.
Federal Industry Minister Ian Macfarlane said the $1.1million Melbourne’s North Innovation and Investment Fund (MNIIF) would help the company set up a $4.3 million production line to substantially expand the range and volume of food products that it manufactures.
“It will help Colonial Farm grow its Australian market base, and will be important for further developing its export potential to Asia, where demand for processed food products is booming,” Minister Macfarlane said.
“The MNIIF is about attracting investment and business to this important manufacturing region and maintaining a strong, sustainable and competitive manufacturing sector.”
Victorian Minister for Manufacturing David Hodgett yesterday officially opened Colonial Farm’s new manufacturing and warehousing facilities.
“Colonial Farm has shown great confidence in Victoria’s manufacturing future by constructing a new purpose-built facility in Broadmeadows to expand its operations. Its new third production line will allow it to increase its range of value-added frozen meal and snack products. The new production line will create 25 more jobs at Colonial Farm, with more likely in future,” Mr Hodgett said.
“Importantly, many of these positions will be suitable for ex-Ford employees and automotive supply chain workers. This is one of the fundamental objectives of the MNIIF grants program and conforms to Victoria’s vision for manufacturing which is facing significant structural change.”
Bob Graziano, President and CEO of Ford Australia, said the opening of Colonial Farm’s new manufacturing and warehousing facilities was a tangible demonstration of how MNIIF is delivering innovative projects and exciting growth opportunities for the communities of Melbourne’s North.
“MNIIF provides real support for investment by local businesses which generates increased economic activity and delivers new, sustainable jobs. Ford Australia is proud to be associated with MNIIF because it’s an important element of Ford Australia’s transition plan to become a full-line vehicle importer while continuing to provide support for stakeholders affected by our business changes,” Mr Graziano said.
“The positions being created by Colonial Farm represent excellent employment opportunities for the communities of Melbourne’s North.”
The MNIIF, which is a $24.5 million package developed by the Victorian Coalition Government in partnership with the Federal Government and Ford Australia in response to Ford’s decision to cease local production in 2016, has thus far allocated a total of $17 million in 14 different projects which are expected to create more than 580 new full time equivalent jobs.
