By BRIDGET COOK
A CRANBOURNE facility will be able to rise from the ashes to expand its business and create 110 new jobs thanks to a funding announcement this week.
Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development Peter Ryan visited Cranbourne on Monday to announce that meat processing facility Wagstaff had been allocated $350,000 in funding.
The money will go towards helping the business rebuild its facility that was destroyed by fire in March this year as well as expand it.
The expansion will increase the business’s capacity of processing 3000 sheep and lambs per day up to 5000 due to the upgrade and create 110 more jobs.
There will also be an upgrade of infrastructure to include a sustainable waste water processing.
Wagstaff managing director James Ralph said the company appreciated the support from the state government and the council.
Mr Ryan said after enduring hardships following the fire, the upgrade of the facility was seen as a vital stepping stone to recovery and growth for Wagstaff Cranbourne.
“The increase in numbers will have a positive impact on local suppliers as the company sources two thirds of its livestock from within Victoria,” he said.
“The increase in production will also allow Wagstaff Cranbourne to grow its export business to Asia and the USA, and to the Middle East and Israel for which it produces meat suitable for the halal and kosher markets respectively.
Mr Ryan said Wagstaff Cranbourne was part of the Wagstaff Group, an innovative company that was an important employer in Victoria.
“The Wagstaff Group’s headquarters are in Cranbourne and it has other meat processing operations in Dandenong and Garfield making it a great contributor to Victoria’s food sector.”
City of Casey mayor Geoff Ablett said he was thrilled with the announcement.
“I’m delighted with the significant financial commitment from the state government as Wagstaff is one of our largest local employers,” he said.
“Creating local jobs in Casey is an absolute priority of the council.”
