A regional Victorian brewery is stepping up in the craft beer market by expanding its in-house canning operations and upskilling more local workers.
Minister for Regional Development Mary-Anne Thomas today welcomed the addition of a new packaging facility at Bright Brewery, a project supported by the Victorian Government's $50 million Agriculture Workforce Plan.
Bright Brewery has more than 30 full-time staff across its 500-seat taproom and restaurant, along with a separate production facility, making it a top private-sector employer in North East Victoria.
The new packaging equipment has enabled the brewery to move away from third-party providers, helping to secure local workers and ensure the business is self-reliant in the competitive artisanal beer sector.
The investment will also help Bright Brewery to meet consumer demand for cans as the rapidly growing package of choice, with a reputation for improved shelf-life for craft beer.
Filling over 50 cans per minute, the new linear machine has the added benefit of increased social distancing for workers - improving COVIDSafe compliance.
The $50 million Agriculture Workforce Plan is supporting businesses in regional, rural and outer metropolitan areas within key agriculture and food processing industries through job-matching, case management, worker relocation needs, transport and training.
It's part of almost $30 billion invested by the Government in regional and rural Victoria since 2015.
As stated by Minister for Regional Development Mary-Anne Thomas
"Bright Brewery is a vibrant regional success story that's become a tourist drawcard in its own right - this investment will help them to ensure business sustainability and secure dozens of local jobs."
As stated by Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes
"We're helping businesses grow and provide new training opportunities for local workforces. This funding will allow a much-loved family business to forge its own path in the competitive craft beer sector."
As stated by Bright Brewery proprietor Scott Brandon
"The support provided by the Victorian Government enabled us to get through a very challenging time and this project will help us support our existing staff and bring on new employees into the future."
