George Weston Foods to expand Ballarat flour mill with US$65.6M project
The investment will lift capacity, support regional jobs, and upgrade bakery operations.
AUSTRALIA – George Weston Foods Ltd. will expand its Mauri flour mill in Ballarat through a A$92 million investment, equal to US$65.6 million, as the company moves to increase output and improve its supply network.
The company plans to build a new warehouse and production facility at the Ballarat site. It will also upgrade other parts of its network, including its Tip Top bakery operations.
The Victoria state government announced the project on April 21 and confirmed support through its A$150 million Victorian Investment Fund, equal to about US$106.9 million, which backs projects that support growth in regional areas.
The expansion will add 47 jobs in the region. Company leaders say the move builds on a long record of investment in Victoria and signals ongoing commitment to local operations.
“With almost A$500 million invested in our operations over the last decade alone, George Weston Foods is committed to being a long-term employer in Victoria, in partnership with the Victorian Government,” said Paul Foster, chief executive officer of George Weston Foods.
Mauri, the company’s ingredient business, supplies bakery and feed solutions across Australia and New Zealand. Its product range includes flours, yeasts, grains, pre-mixes and animal feed. The Ballarat upgrade will support higher volumes and more efficient processing as demand for flour and baked goods continues to grow.
“Mauri looks forward to being an integral part of the Ballarat community,” said Cameron Miners, managing director of Mauri ANZ. “Bringing new jobs and investment through a state-of-the-art milling process, the first of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere, to Western Victoria.”
The wider upgrade across the network, including bakery operations, will help improve distribution and support supply to retail and food service markets.
The state government said the project aligns with its focus on strengthening regional industry and keeping food manufacturing jobs in Victoria.
George Weston Foods operates as a subsidiary of Associated British Foods PLC, based in London. The company produces a range of well-known brands across Australia and New Zealand and continues to invest in its milling and baking assets to meet changing market needs.
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