Openway Food Co has opened a new $10m production facility in Melbourne that will boost employment in the area and support local farmers.
The new facility is located within Openway’s multi-purpose food plant in Melbourne’s south-eastern suburbs and will manufacture the coated mini rice cakes range, supplying to a growing list of retailers in Australia, New Zealand and SE Asia.
The specialised plant enables, for the first time, the onshore production of coated, Mini Rice Cakes part of the Table of Plenty product line, following strong growth in product sales.
The new plant will create around 40 new jobs and deliver economic benefits to local rice and other ingredient producers who will supply the facility. Onshore manufacturing of the products will also reduce the costs and supply chain challenges associated with importing them from Europe, as well as improving their environmental footprint.
Andrew Loader, CEO of Openway Food Co, said the opening of the new facility is all about enabling the founder partners to scale-up their businesses and make purpose-led, better-for-you food products more accessible to Australian consumers.
“We have some outstanding local innovators and some of the best quality produce on our doorstep, so we need more onshore manufacturing capabilities to fully realise their value and keep the economic benefits within our local economy,” he said.
“This is a big moment for our Table of Plenty brand and our loyal consumers and also a win for Australian manufacturing.”
Kate and Tal Weiss, Founders of Table of Plenty, added that it’s fantastic to be able to bring the production of their Rice Cakes home to Australia through this investment.
“Australians want more wholesome and healthy foods that are produced sustainably and locally. Not only does it improve the carbon footprint of our products, but we’re also proud to be able to provide great manufacturing jobs and support local farmers.”
To stay up to date on the latest industry headlines, sign up to the C&I e-newsletter.