The Andrews Labor Government is backing grain production in the Wimmera region with a new hay processing facility, which will create 20 new full-time jobs.
Parliamentary Secretary for Regional Victoria Danielle Green today visited Johnson Asahi's new site in Dooen, which will feature a new hay processing plant and warehouse thanks to support from the Labor Government's Regional Jobs Fund.
Johnson Asahi will replace its existing infrastructure in Horsham with the new facility - which will boost production to 180,000 metric tonnes of cereal hay and straw each year.
Victorian hay producers will also benefit from the facility with the opportunity to export more of their product internationally using the region's major logistics hub - the Wimmera Intermodal Freight Terminal.
Construction on the project began in October, supporting 72 jobs. It is expected to be complete in September next year.
Johnson Asahi was formed in 1995 as part of a joint venture between fourth generation Australian family business Johnson & Son and Japanese company Asahi Industries. It has more than 25 years of experience in exporting oaten hay from Victoria to Japan and South East Asia.
The Regional Jobs Fund is part of the Government's flagship $156 million Regional Jobs and Infrastructure Fund which helps businesses create jobs in regional Victoria, supports community projects and backs councils to build the infrastructure that locals and visitors need.
The Regional Jobs and Infrastructure Fund is part of the Government's almost $30 billion investment in rural and regional Victoria since 2015. For more information go to rdv.vic.gov.au/rjif.
As stated by Parliamentary Secretary for Regional Victoria Danielle Green
"The Wimmera is essential to hay production - that's why we are backing projects that give local producers the confidence to grow and create more jobs for the region."
"I am so excited to see Johnson Asahi's new hay processing facility deliver new jobs in Victoria - it will be a game-changer for the region, helping make it a better place to live, work and invest."
