The Arnott’s Group has opened a multimillion-dollar manufacturing facility in Rowville, Victoria, marking a significant expansion in its domestic production capabilities.
The company said in a press release that the 45,000-square-meter site is aimed at strengthening the company’s position in the better-for-you segment, in response to shifting consumer preferences towards nutritious snacking options.
Arnott’s Group CEO George Zoghbi highlighted the strategic importance of the new facility, emphasizing the company’s long-standing presence in Australian manufacturing.
“Arnott’s has been at the forefront of manufacturing in Australia for 160 years. Our new Rowville facility ensures we continue to drive product innovation and remain ready to cater to consumer trends as they emerge,” Zoghbi said.
Zoghbi further noted that the investment would bolster the company’s partnerships with local suppliers and logistics providers, reinforcing Arnott’s commitment to Australian manufacturing.
“Our success is built upon strong partnerships with Australian suppliers and logistics providers. Today’s announcement strengthens these important relationships across Victoria and the country and further cements our footprint in the state,” he added.
The new facility houses three primary manufacturing zones, including a dedicated allergen-free and extruded products section, a research and development culinary centre, and two logistics warehouses.
The Rowville site is an expansion of The Arnott’s Group’s Good Food Partners business, which was established following the company’s 2021 acquisition of Diver Foods and Freedom Foods brands.
The business has since grown into one of Australia’s leading producers of branded and private label cereals, muesli, and nutritional snacks.
Victorian Minister for Industry and Advanced Manufacturing Colin Brooks, who attended the official opening, underscored the significance of the expansion for the state’s economy and workforce.
“Arnott’s is one of Australia’s most loved brands and they have been manufacturing in Australia for 160 years. The company’s growing presence in Victoria is testament to our skilled local workforce – and that workforce will grow with this expansion at Good Food Partners,” Brooks said.
Other attendees at the opening included Member for Aston Mary Doyle, Member for Rowville Kim Wells, Members for South-Eastern Metropolitan Michael Galea and Lee Tarlamis, as well as Elder Mark Brown from the Bunurong Land Council and key industry partners.
The Rowville facility will manufacture well-known brands such as Freedom Cereals, Messy Monkeys, Sunsol, Heritage Mill, Arnold’s Farm, Arnott’s Treatles, and Sam’s Pantry.
According to the company, the site’s production capacity will include 180 million muesli and protein bars, 40 million oat sachets, and 300 million bowls of muesli annually.
The expansion follows The Arnott’s Group’s November 2024 acquisition of New Zealand-based Prolife Foods Ltd’s Mother Earth, Flemings, and VP brands.
The move was intended to grow its better-for-you product portfolio, enhance manufacturing capabilities, and expand into new market segments.
