Up to 240 jobs will be created in Mickleham when small goods manufacturer D’Orsogna opens its $61 million factory in the Merrifield Business Park later this year.
Construction of the West Australian-based company’s new factory began late last month.
The factory will include a new purpose-built facility that includes cooking, smoking, cooling, storing, slicing and packaging equipment, and will use the latest processing and packaging technology.
The family-owned business, which began in 1949, believes the expansion will help it expand its domestic and export markets.
The factory is the result of a deal between Merrifield developers, MAB Corporation and Gibson Property Corporation, D’Orsogna and the state government.
MAB Corporation managing director Andrew Buxton said the deal signalled the continuous growth of the manufacturing industry in Hume.
“We are thrilled to bring a food manufacturer of this calibre to Melbourne’s north – this is a boon for both the state and Merrifield,” he said. “Already we’ve seen big names such as Dulux and D’Orsogna establish a presence in Melbourne’s north, no doubt because of its connectivity to the east coast of Australia, with direct access to the Hume Freeway and proximity to Melbourne Airport, as well as access to a solid local employment base.”
D’Orsogna managing director Brad Thomason said the new factory would allow the company to double its manufacturing footprint in the next few years.
Industry and Employment Minister Ben Carroll said the new factory would provide jobs for former auto workers. “The D’Orsogna expansion is creating jobs, boosting the food and fibre sector and further cements Victoria as the home of manufacturing in Australia,” he said.
“This massive expansion will boost the local economy and create much-needed jobs.”
