A leading international pet food company is ramping up its support of local suppliers as part of a multi-million-dollar upgrade to its Bathurst facility, thanks to the NSW Government’s Regional Job Creation Fund.
NSW Deputy Premier and Member for Bathurst Paul Toole said a $160,000 grant will help Mars Petcare Australia shore-up its local supply chain of premium pet food brand ROYAL CANIN® and create eight full-time equivalent jobs in the Bathurst region.
Mr Toole said Mars Petcare Australia, part of one of the world’s leading pet food manufacturers and animal care services, will use the grant to purchase new packaging equipment and technology for its existing Bathurst Dry facility.
“The funding is part of a multi-million upgrade project by Mars Petcare Australia and will help boost its local manufacturing capabilities and shore-up local supply chains to help mitigate risks associated with importing products,” Mr Toole said.
“Mars Petcare Australia has a strong association with Bathurst, having originally built the facility in 1978, and this expansion anchors the company to the region and its contribution to a stronger local economy, employment pathways and job security for workers today and into the future.”
Mr Toole said the $100 million Regional Job Creation Fund aims to create 5,000 new direct jobs in regional NSW by providing incentives to expand and keep operations in regional areas.
“Regional NSW is the engine room of the state and providing support to companies like Mars Petcare Australia to expand their operations helps to stimulate regional economies, boost livelihoods and provide local employment,” Mr Toole said.
“This fund allows businesses to fast-track their growth plans, expand their operations and creates a solid base for job creation now and into the future.
“Setting businesses up for success helps the local community grow, as new jobs mean more people earning a wage and spending their pay packets in local stores, cafes, restaurants and on local services.”
