Jobs: New Dandenong ventures raise hope

Working culture: Peter Meek sees life in the food manufacturing industry in Dandenong.

By CAMERON LUCADOU-WELLS

TWO recent investments have raised optimism about job opportunities in Greater Dandenong.

Next month, Chobani officially opens a $30 million yoghurt factory in Dandenong South. It has created 50 jobs, with capacity to triple production.

Managing director Peter Meek said the factory was built alongside its existing plant.

It was an obvious site, using the know-how of its staff, he said. “Chobani [based in the US] had seen the quality of our award-winning products that we’re already making. It had seen that Australia has a culture for high-quality food,” Mr Meek said.

Ego Pharmaceuticals has this month opened a $1 million distribution centre in Bangholme, creating 50 jobs over the next two years.

Managing director Alan Oppenheim said the site was selected because of a need for a high-quality insulated warehouse near EastLink and its Braeside factory and laboratories.

Mr Oppenheim said the 6600-square-metre warehouse was crucial in the Australian-owned company’s export plans. “Over the past five years our staff numbers have doubled, and we are looking forward to the future for even further growth.”

What do you think? Post a comment below.

For all the latest breaking news, stay with this website. Also, follow
the Weekly  at
facebook.com/dandenongjournal or on Twitter 
@DandenongJournal.