- Published:
- Friday 16 March 2018
A pasta maker will invest in advanced manufacturing technology to expand its operations and create new jobs in Melbourne’s north thanks to support from the Andrews Labor Government.
Treasurer Tim Pallas visited Diseb Food Group in Somerton today to announce a Local Industry Fund for Transition (LIFT) grant that will enable the company to embark on a $2.9 million investment project, which will create 26 new jobs, including 20 suitable for ex-auto workers.
As part of the project, the company will purchase a state of the art manufacturing line with mixing, filling, pasteurizing cooling and packaging capabilities to increase its production capacity and reduce downtime.
The technology will enable the company to boost its productivity, improve energy efficiency, reduce waste and production stoppages, and extend the shelf life of its products.
Diseb Food Groups will also expand its current facilities –including increased cool room and freezer capacity – bring on new research and development and sales teams, and develop new export markets for existing and new products.
The company makes fresh filled pasta and unfilled dry egg pasta, and currently supplies to major supermarkets and multi-national brands.
The food and fibre sector is Victoria’s biggest goods export sector, exporting nearly $12 billion annually. The sector contributes approximately five per cent of Victoria’s Gross State Product and employs over 193,000 people.
With available industrial land, a workforce skilled in manufacturing, highway access to Melbourne’s international airport and the Port of Melbourne, and the fruit and vegetable wholesale market in Epping it’s well-positioned as a food and beverage processing hub.
The area is set to double its output to $5 billion over the next ten years, creating thousands of new jobs.
The Labor Government has provided over $110 million in manufacturing support, creating over 4,000 jobs and driving more than $1.4 billion in private investment.
LIFT helps businesses generate new investment and create jobs for retrenched workers in areas affected by the closure of car manufacturing – including Melbourne’s North. To date, the initiative has supported 39 projects that are expected to create 1,021 new jobs, 866 of which are suitable for ex auto workers.
Quotes attributable to Treasurer Tim Pallas
“The Andrews Labor Government will never stop supporting communities such as those here in Melbourne’s north that have been impacted by the closure of car manufacturing.”
“Thanks to our support, companies like Diseb are expanding, creating jobs and growing local economies.”
Quotes attributable to Member for Broadmeadows Frank McGuire
“I’m delighted that the Andrews Labor Government continues to support developing business and creating jobs, especially in communities hardest hit by the closure of passenger car manufacturing in Victoria.”