Photo: thecourier.com.au

Visiting Flavorite Tomatoes, Minister for Industry and Employment Wade Noonan today announced the company’s $11.5 million expansion to boost jobs and export opportunities.

Flavorite has taken advantage of the Labor Government’s $10 million Latrobe Valley Economic Facilitation Fund – which is growing existing and future industries, creating jobs and attracting new investment.

With more than 320 employees, Flavorite is a major local employer in the region.

The company will build a 4.3 hectare glasshouse, fitted with heating, irrigation and infrastructure to produce high-quality hydroponic tomatoes and other vegetables. The glasshouse will use new environment control systems to increase production yields by 10 to 15 per cent

Construction of the glasshouse will also create up to 12 jobs.

Additional packaging equipment will help boost productivity so the business can maintain competitive prices in a challenging market.

Latrobe Valley businesses, local government and the community are encouraged to work with Regional Development Victoria, Gippsland, to discuss how their projects may fit within the $40 million Latrobe Valley Economic Development Program.

The Government will always put the people of the Latrobe Valley first by using our targeted funds to grow jobs, strengthen local industries and support new investment opportunities.