MANUFACTURING FUNDING GIVES ICONIC BEECHWORTH BUSINESSES A BOOST

Beechworth’s Bridge Road Brewers will be able to expand their craft beer production line and Beechworth Honey will expand its creamed honey operation thanks to a $100,000 investment each from the Federal Government’s Manufacturing Modernisation Fund (MMF).
200 projects worth more than $215 million dollars are being supported through the fund as the Government backing manufacturing businesses across the country to modernise, as they grapple with the impact of the coronavirus.
Nationals Senator for Victoria Bridget McKenzie said the support came at an incredibly important time for the North East manufacturing sector.
“We’re investing more than $20.9 million in 74 projects here in Victoria which is expected to create 1032 new jobs and two iconic Beechworth businesses are among the 200 projects to benefit,” Senator McKenzie said.
“A new state of the art creamed honey packing line will mean a 90 per cent productivity increase and capacity to produce up to 20 new value-added creamed honey products at Beechworth Honey.
“It means lesser grades of honeys can be processed, giving greater return to beekeepers and reinforces the value Australian beekeepers play in agricultural production.
“Bridger Road Brewers will install a canning line to meet a growing domestic and international demand for beer in cans.
“The Manufacturing Modernisation Fund is a clear indication of how committed the Government is to Australian manufacturing and supporting small and medium sized businesses,” Senator McKenzie said.
“This investment will not only strengthen businesses and create jobs, it will provide a much needed confidence boost for Aussie manufacturers as we face this unprecedented pandemic.”
Minister for Industry, Science and Technology Karen Andrews said the projects were expected to create 2600 Australian jobs and were about preparing Australian manufacturing beyond COVID-19 and the challenges of today.
“We established the MMF before the coronavirus pandemic to help small and medium sized manufacturers invest in capital equipment and new technologies to transform and upgrade their manufacturing operations,” Minister Andrews said.
“Now as we face the coronavirus pandemic and look to come out the other side stronger, this investment will be more critical than ever.
“I am determined to further strengthen Australian manufacturing and the current pandemic gives us the opportunity as a nation to reassess and commit to the values of Australian-made goods.”
The MMF builds on other Federal Government investments in manufacturing growth and competitiveness, including the $100 million Advanced Manufacturing Fund, the Advanced Manufacturing Growth Centre, the Entrepreneurs’ Programme, and the $40 million Innovative Manufacturing Cooperative Research Centre.
For more information on the Manufacturing Modernisation Fund visit www.business.gov.au/MMF