Family-owned fresh produce company Montague has announced a $54 million construction for its new packaging and export distribution centre, based in Narre Warren North, Victoria.
The 18,000 square metre facility will have the capacity to process 34 million kilograms of fresh fruit product annually, and features Australia’s first optical sorting equipment as supplied by Compac. It will also include a fully automated high bay storage facility for Montague’s horticulture arm.
Montague managing director Scott Montague said he was thrilled to have the opportunity to introduce a facility which will be a catalyst in securing jobs in the future.
“As a proud 100 per cent family owned business, Montague has supported regional fruit growers along the supply chain for decades, and with this new build we will be able to extend their reach into export markets around the world.
“In addition, we’ll continue to see our local community thrive with the creation of fifty new permanent jobs and the provision exceptional apples and stone fruit,” he said.
The project is a result of a five-year planning process by Montague following consultations with manufacturers and service provides from around the world.
Alongside the production facility, Montague will also create a community engagement space, which will feature a café, retail store, bike rental facilities, and a pick-your-own orchard.
Assistance from the Victorian Government’s Food Source Victoria program has helped launched the project, with construction expected to be complete by late 2020.
