Chips are down for waste water

A DANDENONG South business has received cash to develop new technology.
Spuds R Us will use its Technology Development Voucher, with KMH Environmental Engineering, to trial technology to remove solids from waste water using a small, technology-based membrane.
The family-owned and operated business, also known as Mum’s Chips Co, was founded in 1972.
It initially traded from a small facility in Springvale and predominantly supplied the hospitality industry with pre-cooked chips.
As the business grew, the founder’s children invested in a purpose-built manufacturing facility in Dandenong South and it’s now one of the largest processors of potatoes in the industry.
Technology Minister Gordon Rich-Phillips said Spud R Us was also among eight companies awarded Technology Development Vouchers worth up to $50,000.
He said the funding would allow each company to collaborate with suppliers to develop, adapt or adopt new products and processes using industrial biotechnology, small technologies or information and communication technology.
“This is a responsive funding model to drive the use of cutting-edge technologies, enabling Victoria’s companies to compete in today’s global economy,” Mr Rich-Phillips said.
“The vouchers will help innovative companies to connect with high-tech service providers and absorb new technologies to improve their productivity and competitiveness.”
The Technology Voucher Program supports projects that involve developing new technology or exploring the application of existing technologies in innovative or novel ways.
“As part of the Technology Voucher Program, we have also established a searchable directory of technology capabilities and suppliers, listing companies and organisations that can provide services to voucher applicants,” Mr Rich-Phillips said.
“The directory includes more than 180 Technology Voucher Program-listed suppliers and enables users to easily connect applicant needs with supplier capabilities.”