D'Orsogna starts new $66 million plant in Victoria

Western Australian smallgoods and meat protein company D’Orsogna has begun construction of a $66 million, state-of-the-art 10,858 m² food manufacturing facility just north of Melbourne.

Currently D’Orsogna employs more than 550 people and is one of the most recognisable brands at Woolworths, Coles, Metcash and foodservice businesses across Australia.

The new Victorian facility will employ 240 people and establish D’Orsogna as a national market leader in the food sector.

D’Orsogna first established a manufacturing footprint at Mt Waverley, 16 km south-east of Melbourne’s CBD, 10 years ago.

“D’Orsogna has consistently experienced year-on-year growth and the new facility will provide a larger production capacity and greater product development opportunities,” said Brad Thomason, D’Orsogna’s managing director.

“The new Melbourne site will double our production capacity and manufacture a range of innovative ham, bacon and other meat protein products.”

Currently headquartered in Perth, the company produces a range of cured and cooked whole and sliced hams, gourmet continental goods, bacon, and cooked and fresh sausages. The WA facility will retain its head office status, staff and production.

The company has finalised the design of the new greenfield facility, which will incorporate the latest energy and water conservation technology. A focus on sustainable and efficient processes has driven the design, ultimately increasing production capacity

“We anticipate a large percentage of our expanded production capacity will be produced out of the new Victorian facility, due to its proximity to major markets and its streamlined manufacturing processes,” Thomason said.

“The throughput, or productivity per square metre of floor space, will be leading edge, allowing D’Orsogna to stay competitive and satisfy growing consumer demand for fresh, conveniently packaged, modern meat protein products.”

D’Orsogna currently supplies Woolworths, Coles and Metcash stores around Australia. The new facility will far exceed the standards for export approval and the Southeast Asian market will become a focus in the medium term.

“There’s the opportunity to expand the facility in planned stages. Convenient access to transport arteries and major markets in Victoria, NSW and Queensland will mean we can deliver D’Orsogna products quicker and at a lower cost than current logistics allow,” said Thomason.

“We chose Victoria for its competitive operating environment, reputation in foods, access to key transport infrastructure and rapidly growing local and export markets, and we appreciate the support of the Victorian Government and City of Hume in helping us establish and expand our presence here.

“We’re thrilled to be calling Merrifield our eastern states home and proud to partner with MAB Corporation and Gibson Property Corporation (GPC) as developers of Merrifield Business Park.”

Pictured: Brad Thomason, D’Orsogna’s managing director.