Labor is backing major businesses in regional Victoria that will create more jobs and drive economic growth.
Mars Petcare’s factory expansion is boosting cat food production in Wodonga, creating more than 65 jobs.
Minister Settle today joined workers at Mars Petcare to mark completion of the project that will now produce more than 29 million cat food pouches each year for Australia and New Zealand markets.
The multi-million-dollar expansion includes a new 7,800 square-metre manufacturing facility fitted with cutting-edge technology, including autonomous mobile robots, automated packaging systems and a hydrostatic cooker.
This brings the company’s Wodonga workforce to nearly 500 people.
The facility expansion is also supporting the company to deliver new and existing product ranges, including those sold by Whiskas, Dine, Optimum and Advance.
Mars Australia is the largest manufacturer of pet care products in Australia, with its 60-year-old Wodonga manufacturing facility being its largest in the Asia Pacific region.
The site is also on track to become the first of its kind in Australia to deploy a 100 per cent renewable energy solution within the next two years.
Victoria’s $37.4 billion manufacturing sector is a driving force of the state’s economy, supporting nearly 260,000 jobs and exporting $29 billion worth of goods.
We’re helping businesses to expand and thrive, including through our Victorian Investment Fund and its dedicated $50 million regional stream to support growing businesses.
Only Labor is investing in regional Victoria, with more than $50 billion delivered over the past decade to make our regional cities and towns better places to live, work, and study.
The Liberal and National record is one of cuts to the regions, cuts to regional TAFEs, cuts to regional roads and cuts to regional hospitals.
As stated by Minister for Regional Development Michaela Settle
“Regional Victoria is a great place to invest, and Mars Petcare’s expansion is creating more than 65 local jobs while helping secure the future of manufacturing in Wodonga.”
As stated by Member for Northern Victoria Jacylyn Symes
“Only Labor is backing businesses to grow in regional Victoria, and this investment in Wodonga is creating jobs, supporting local suppliers and ensuring our region remains a manufacturing powerhouse for years to come.”
As stated by Mars Petcare Australia and New Zealand Supply Director Caroline Aspridis
“We’re incredibly proud of our Associates, whose passion and dedication have helped bring this milestone to life, and we’re excited about the opportunities this creates for the region for many years to come.”
