Victoria's food manufacturing sector has received a major boost - with the official opening of Mondelēz International's new, state-of-the-art National Distribution Centre in Truganina.
Premier Jacinta Allan and Minister for Economic Growth and Jobs Danny Pearson joined Mondelēz executives today to open the company's most advanced facility in the world, supporting local jobs and growing the local supply chain.
The 47,000-square-metre high-tech facility increases storage capacity by nearly 60 per cent and enables the processing of more than 450 million products each year - including household favourites like Cadbury Dairy Milk, The Natural Confectionery Company and Olina's Bakehouse.
More than 200 new jobs have been created in warehousing, co-packing and manufacturing, delivering a major boost to employment and economic growth in Melbourne's west.
Mondelēz employs more than 1,200 people across its Victorian operations in South Melbourne, Ringwood, Scoresby and Dandenong South, and has invested more than $160 million across its local sites in recent years.
The new, $130 million centre is powered by 100 per cent renewable electricity and features 1MW of solar generation capacity and rainwater reuse - and will cut help truck movements and emissions across its supply chain.
The company contributes close to $1 billion to the national economy annually - with more than half of that economic activity centred in Victoria - and supports procurement from more than 970 Australian suppliers.
This investment reinforces Victoria's position as Australia's largest food and beverage manufacturer - an industry worth $47 billion and employing more than 76,000 Victorians.
The Allan Labor Government continues to back this sector through the recently launched Victorian Industry Policy and the new $150 million Victorian Investment Fund, helping growing companies invest, expand and innovate.
As stated by Premier Jacinta Allan
"Mondelēz's investment is a vote of confidence in our workforce and world-leading food manufacturing sector - because Victoria is open for business."
As stated by Minister for Economic Growth and Jobs Danny Pearson
"This is a great example of how Victoria is leading the way in advanced logistics and manufacturing - delivering cutting-edge capability, supporting good local jobs and building a stronger, more sustainable supply chain."
As stated by Member for Kororoit Luba Grigorovitch
"This new facility in Truganina is a big win for our community - creating hundreds of local jobs and cementing our region as a hub for advanced manufacturing."
As stated by Mondelēz International Japan, Australia and New Zealand CEO Toby Smith
"We're proud to make this investment in Australia, proud to create jobs in Melbourne's west and proud that the biggest facility for Cadbury anywhere in the world is right here in Truganina."
