In a bid to build more efficient infrastructure and increase production capacity, Montague, one of Australia’s leading fresh produce companies, has commenced construction on a new packaging and export distribution centre in Narre Warren North. The new world class facility will facilitate the introduction of a range of products onto the Australian domestic market and the growth of exports into key Asian markets.

The $54 million project will feature Australia’s first optical sorting equipment supplied by Compac and horticulture’s first fully automated high bay storage facility. The 18,000 square metre facility will have the capacity to process in excess of 34 million kilograms of fresh fruit product annually. The project is the result of a comprehensive five-year planning process by Montague during which it consulted with manufacturers and service providers throughout the world.

In addition to increasing the fresh produce processing capacity of Montague the project will also feature a community engagement centre as part of the project. This centre will feature a café, retail store, bike rental facilities and pick your own orchard. The centre will significantly enhance the visitor experience for local and international visitors to Lysterfield Park as well as serving as a destination for international visitors seeking to see first-hand how Australian horticultural product is grown.

Scott Montague, Montague Executive Director said, “We are thrilled to have the opportunity to introduce a facility which will be a catalyst in securing jobs in the future. As a proud 100% family owned business, Montague has supported regional fruit growers along the supply chain for decades, and with this new build we will be able to extend their reach into export markets around the world. In addition, we’ll continue to see our local community thrive with the creation of fifty new permanent jobs and the provision exceptional apples and stone fruit.”

Construction is anticipated to be completed by late 2020.