WA investment grant to aid manufacturers overcome supply chain challenges, grow business

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Image credit: Western Australian Government

The McGowan Government announced that the second round of Value Add Investment Grants worth $6.3 million will support 10 dynamic Western Australian agrifood and beverage processors and manufacturers to expand their current operations.

The state’s contribution will draw in successful regional and metropolitan companies to invest more than $60 million, fostering economic expansion, diversity, resilience, and job creation, according to a media statement.  

Projects include strengthening supplies and the variety of food ingredients, growing the production of vegetables, modernising wine and beer facilities, and expanding the processing of pig, poultry, and smallgoods.

With the help of the funds, WA food and beverage processors and manufacturers can address supply chain issues, lessen their dependency on imported and interstate processed goods, and seize possibilities for value addition.

Agriculture and Food Minister Jackie Jarvis said the second batch of funding is a crucial step that will help the food and beverage sector develop and prosper as it adapts to recent supply chain disruptions and market problems.

“I am excited by the new projects which will expand and diversify these businesses, especially those improving their sustainability to satisfy environmental, social and customer expectations,” Minister Jarvis said. 

With the help of this beneficial grants program, the minister emphasised that businesses are able to confidently follow their objectives and aspirations, generating employment opportunities and positive ripple effects across the supply chain, and diversifying the WA economy.

In particular, round two recipients include Good Drinks Australia, Stella Bella Wines, Dardanup Butchering Unit Trust, DCB Australia, and Newco Mills.

Milne Agrigroup, Magnum Essence, Homestyle Vegetable Processors, The British Sausage, Ham and Bacon Company, and D. Trandos & Sons are also included in the recipients’ list.

The government reported that the first round of program grantees invested $142 million in the industry, which resulted in the creation of 600 new employees since 2021.

According to independent modelling, this investment increased recipients’ income by $692 million, directly boosting the WA economy.

Grants of between $30,000 and $200,000 are available through the program’s feasibility funding stream, which will help set the framework for business expansion, diversification, and growth.

Feasibility grants can be used to fund technical consultants, accounting, legal, and other professional services, architects, planners, designers, valuers, and property services, as well as market analyst studies, as well as to facilitate regulatory permissions and licenses.  

For more information on Value Add Investment Grants, visit http://www.agric.wa.gov.au/VAIG.