D’Orsogna has commenced production at its $66 million state-of-the-art 11,000sqm food manufacturing facility in Victoria.
Located at Merrifield Business Park, 30km north of Melbourne, the new factory will soon employ 200 people.
D’Orsogna also says it will firmly establish them as a national market leader in the smallgoods and meat protein food sector.
‘Firmly’ established on east coast
Managing Director, Greig Smith, speaking at the opening alongside Chairman Tony Iannello and Directors Marco D’Orsogna and Massimo Valentini, said the D’Orsogna name, brand and products were now firmly established on the east coast.
“We’ve taken a measured approach to such a substantial investment after establishing a modest footprint in Victoria 10 years ago at Mt Waverley,” Mr Smith said.
“The new Merrifield production facility will secure the future of the D’Orsogna business.
“Breaking new ground in business, even as a market leader, comes at considerable cost and we pay tribute and thank the Victorian government and City of Hume for their financial and other support.
“We commit today to repaying that investment by the state and local community with this first-class food manufacturing business that already employs local citizens and delivers environmentally, socially and financially.”
Benefits for Victoria
Victorian Minister for Jobs, Innovation and Trade, Martin Pakula said the Victorian government proudly backed the expansion by D’Orsogna that brought jobs to Melbourne’s north.
He also said it opened up opportunities for export and growth in a vital food and fibre sector that made up almost half of the state’s exports and was valued at $14 billion.
Benefits for the brand
Mr Iannello told the 50 guests at the opening and plaque unveiling that the new Victorian facility would double D’Orsogna’s production capacity.
He also said it would generate development opportunities for its extensive range of “innovative” ham, bacon and other meat protein products.
“Proximity to major markets, streamlined manufacturing processes and state-of-the art equipment, all supported by well trained staff, a committed management and board and supportive customers should ensure its success,” Mr Iannello said.
“Productivity per sqm of floor space will be leading edge, allowing us to be competitive and satisfy growing consumer demand for fresh, conveniently packaged, modern meat protein products.
“This facility incorporates the latest energy and water conservation technology, reflecting our focus on sustainable and efficient processes to drive design and ultimately production efficiency.
“The 8,500sqm of rooftop solar, powers a one-megawatt system that will greatly reduce operational costs and carbon emissions on site.”
Mr Iannello said D’Orsogna chose Victoria for its competitive operating environment, reputation in foods, access to key transport infrastructure and rapidly growing local and export markets.
“D’Orsogna is proudly Australian owned with a focus on quality, growth and local investment and we have ambitious expansion plans over the next few years,” he said.