The Victorian Government is backing agriculture manufacturing business Harwood Grains to create jobs and expand its oat dehulling facility in Ballarat.
Harwood Grains, which is run by father-son duo Paul and Bill Harwood, specialises in high quality stockfeed, supplying wholesale and retail customers across Victoria, South Australia and New South Wales.
The company supports Victorian oat producers and is looking to tap into the growing international export market for groats.
Visiting the Harwood Grains’ headquarters in Ballarat, Minister for Regional Development Mary-Anne Thomas said the funding through the Regional Jobs Fund will allow the family-owned business to consolidate its facility into one site and invest in new production line equipment.
“Support from the Regional Jobs Fund is enabling the company to complete the fit out at its milling facility with new silos, machinery, conveyors, scales, elevators and electrical work,” the Minister said in a statement.
“The new oat dehulling production line will enable the company to produce six times their current production capability.”
She said the project will create 10 new full-time jobs and once complete will enable the company’s 25 workers to operate together onsite in its Gregory Street Headquarters milling facility.
“We’re proud to back family business Harwood Grains as it expands its operations and supports Victoria’s thriving grain industry,” the Minister continued.
“This project will go a long way in supporting local industry, creating new jobs and boosting the Ballarat economy.”
