Three food manufacturers in Melbourne’s north are investing a combined $21.6 million in expansion projects, with plans to create local jobs, retain existing positions and strengthen Victoria’s manufacturing workforce.
That’s Amore Cheese, Mr. Pitta and Picnic Foods will expand their manufacturing operations with support from the Victorian Investment Fund, a $150 million initiative designed to help businesses grow, create jobs and increase exports.
Victorian Minister for Industry and Advanced Manufacturing Melissa Horne announced the investments, highlighting their potential to support employment and manufacturing growth across the state.
“We’re supporting manufacturing businesses in Melbourne’s north to expand because it means more local jobs, more innovation and more Victorian-made products on shelves across the country and the world,” Horne said.
“Our state’s manufacturing sector is a cornerstone of the economy — driving growth, productivity and prosperity, while building a more competitive economy for years to come,” she further said.
Picnic Foods to create 15 jobs
Family-owned Picnic Foods will invest $2.53 million in expanding its Coolaroo manufacturing operations, creating 15 new full-time equivalent jobs while retaining 55 existing positions.
The project will support the establishment of Sahara Gourmet Bakehouse in Coolaroo and include new baking lines, automated equipment, cold storage and robotic packing.
The company also plans to introduce advanced pastry manufacturing equipment, additional production lines and a research and development kitchen.
Picnic Foods Director Ibrahim Ozdemir said the expansion would increase production capacity while improving operational efficiency and workplace safety.
“The establishment of Sahara Gourmet Bakehouse in Coolaroo marks an exciting new chapter. Supported by the Victorian Government, our $2.53 million investment will bring together new baking lines, automated equipment, cold storage and robotic packing, combining traditional food expertise with modern manufacturing technology,” Ozdemir said.
“This project will create 15 new full-time equivalent jobs while retaining 55 existing positions. It will increase our production capacity, improve efficiency and safety, and maintain the consistent quality our customers expect,” he added.
Mr. Pitta expands manufacturing
Fourth-generation family-owned business Mr. Pitta will establish an Australian-first manufacturing facility in Campbellfield, using advanced manufacturing equipment and energy-efficient technology to increase production and pursue new export markets.
The expansion is expected to support job creation and skilled employment in Victoria, although the company has not specified the number of new positions.
Mr. Pitta Managing Director Angelo Michailidis said, “The support from the Victorian Government will allow Mr. Pitta to expand our capabilities through advanced manufacturing, creating new jobs and keeping skilled employment here in Victoria.”
It will support the growth of our business, strengthen our local operations to provide our products around the country, and help us build a more efficient and sustainable future,” Michailidis also said.
That’s Amore invests in expansion
Cheese producer That’s Amore Cheese will expand its Thomastown facility with additional cold storage, automation technologies and an on-site research and development laboratory.
The project will increase the company's manufacturing capabilities, although a specific job creation target has not been disclosed.
That’s Amore CEO Marco Alghisi said, “This support is about more than machinery; it's an investment in the people of Thomastown.
“Giorgio Linguanti has always believed quality and heritage don’t have to come at the expense of growth, and it’s our whole team, past and present, that proves it every day. We’re deeply grateful to the Victorian Government for believing in that vision too,” Alghisi elaborated.
Manufacturing investment supports local employment
The three projects form part of the Victorian Government's efforts to support business expansion and employment through its $150 million Victorian Investment Fund.
While Picnic Foods has confirmed 15 new full-time equivalent positions and the retention of 55 existing roles, job creation figures for That’s Amore Cheese and Mr. Pitta have not been specified.
The investments will also introduce new manufacturing technologies and expand production capacity, with the businesses targeting domestic growth and new export opportunities.