The government of Victoria is helping a family owned bakery in Geelong expand its operations and create new jobs in the area.
The Routley’s Bakery in North Geelong received a $187,500 grant from the government through its local industry fund for transition.
The bakery is undergoing a $2.2 million expansion.
Money from the grant has gone towards renovating the current production site, purchasing new food manufacturing equipment and towards taking on six new workers – with more new jobs to be created.
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Established 70 years ago, the company makes pies, cakes and bread for clients within the retail, education, health and aged care, leisure, transport and logistics, defence and government sectors.
Member for Geelong, Christine Couzens, said supporting companies such as Routley’s Bakery was important in employing more people in the community and supporting the local economy.
Routley’s Bakery has also been in touch with The Gordon’s Skills and Jobs Centre to recruit staff, including those from the automotive industry.
Minister for industry and employment, Ben Carroll, said the government would always support companies that help boost productivity and create new jobs.
“[The] government will support local businesses so they continue to grow and innovate – which will allow them to employ more Victorians.”
Victorian manufacturing contributes $27.7 billion to the Victorian economy and is home to more than 13,000 businesses employing more than 286,000 people.
The Victorian government has provided more than $120m in manufacturing support, creating more than 6,000 jobs and driving more than $1.6b in private investment.
The local industry fund for transition helps businesses generate new investment and create jobs for retrenched workers in areas affected by closures elsewhere.
The fund has supported more than 40 projects – expected to create more than 1,200 new jobs, more than 1,000 of which are suitable for ex auto workers.