Aussie icon re-launched

Aussie Sweets has celebrated the official opening of its purpose-built manufacturing facility located at Auburn in Sydney's west and the re-launch of the Aussie Sweets brand with new packaging for a range of product lines.

Aussie Sweets is the confectionery manufacturing and packaging division of Cumberland Industries Ltd (CIL). CIL acquired Aussie Sweets on 1 September 2004 with the mandate to grow the company through repeat business and new product development.

"CIL is moving away from traditional markets typically associated with employers of people with a disability. Cumberland Industries purchased Aussie Sweets as we could see an ideal strategic fit, as it has the potential to provide not only meaningful, but satisfying and interesting work for our supported employees. It's also a fun business to be in! Cumberland has a deliberate strategy of reducing the traditional, low skill, low value general packing type operations which have typified the old "sheltered workshop' model," CIL's chief executive officer, Dr Stephen Treloar said.

Cumberland Industries provides job opportunities for in excess of 500 people with disabilities, in the areas of food manufacturing, household products manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, pasta manufacturing, general packaging, textiles and through Aussie Sweets, high-quality confectionery products manufactured under strict food grade conditions.

Aussie Sweets' new facilities encompass climate-controlled clean rooms and fully refurbished or newly acquired equipment. The facilities are also HACCP compliant.

Most importantly, through Aussie Sweets, Cumberland Industries Ltd will continue to strive to provide high quality employment for people with a disability in Western Sydney.