Energy grant helps macedon business shine

Macedon Ranges’ biggest private sector employer is set to take on even more workers, boost its energy efficiency and expand its production capacity, thanks to support from the Andrews Labor Government.

Minister for Industry and Employment Ben Carroll today visited Hardwicks Meat Works in Kyneton to announce an Industry Energy Support Stream grant to help the business undertake a range of power-saving projects and boost its capacity.

The grant will support a $11.5 million investment at the meat processing facility, including $4 million towards a large-scale photovoltaic, battery and microgrid project.

The development will also include new waste water treatment solutions and cold store facilities for lamb and beef processing to increase the capacity of operations which will benefit from the energy savings.

The project will create 80 jobs in addition to supporting the retention of the current workforce of 450 employees as the company looks to expand into new export markets.

Hardwicks Meat Works is a family-owned meat processor of premium quality beef and lamb for domestic and export markets which has been based in Kyneton for nearly forty years.

The Labor Government is attracting new businesses to Victoria and helping existing businesses retain staff and expand thanks to its $90 million industry support grants program.

Hardwicks Meat Works is one of over 300 businesses, large and small, that the Labor Government has surveyed and met with to understand how rising energy price are affecting businesses.

From these discussions, the Labor Government has provided support to help businesses undertake assessments and prepare feasibility studies aimed at reducing their energy costs and improving their energy efficiency.

For more information visit business.vic.gov.au/energy-support.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Industry and Employment Ben Carroll
"We’re helping companies like Hardwicks Meats create jobs in regional Victoria by supporting their power saving projects and increasing their efficiency."

"We’re proud to support this project for the Macedon Ranges which will help the company expand into new export markets and secure local jobs."

Quote attributable to Member for Macedon Mary-Anne Thomas
"Hardwicks is a great local company with a strong reputation and we’re proud to be securing the future of the business and its employees."