State signs financial assistance agreement with Manjimup's Wescorp QA

21/5/03
State Development Minister Clive Brown visited the South-West today to sign a $665,000 financial assistance agreement with Manjimup-based fruit and vegetable processor and exporter Old Valley Pty Ltd, trading as Wescorp QA.
The assistance has been provided under the Manjimup Horticultural Processing Scheme, part of the industry development assistance component of the State Government's 'Protecting Our Old Growth Forest Policy'.
The assistance follows a previous $835,000 allocation in December to Bendotti Exporters, new owners of the WA Chip Site in Manjimup.
Wescorp QA had previously purchased the Franklin Street site, which will continue to function as a fruit and vegetable processing operation.
Mr Brown said the agreement with Wescorp QA was designed to stimulate job opportunities in Manjimup's horticultural industry.
The Minister said it was important for South-West communities to develop and maintain a diverse and sustainable economic base and highlighted the importance of the food processing industry in the Shire of Manjimup.
"The Government is committed to ensuring viable communities in the South-West," he said.
"Horticulture has played a strong role in the economic and social development of the area and the Government seeks to encourage further value-adding through food processing."
Wescorp QA will use the funds to purchase new equipment and invest in some of the latest horticultural technology available.
"The assistance provided to Wescorp QA is designed to strengthen the role of the food processing industry in the local economy and create new and sustainable jobs and opportunities for local people," Mr Brown said.
The Minister said the financial assistance package would enable the company both to maintain current employment levels and grow the business by investing in new, value-adding technologies.
"The financial assistance provided by the State Government will be in the form of a fully secured loan, which will convert to a grant over five years as the company meets employment and capital investment milestones," he said.
Mr Brown reiterated his call for the Commonwealth Government to honour its commitment of $15million in industry assistance, to both the hardwood and softwood industries in the South-West.
"While the State Government is investing in industry development in a number of sectors in the South-West, the Commonwealth Government is yet to spend one cent of its $15million commitment, and recently reallocated money set aside to Western Australia to New South Wales and Victoria in this year's Commonwealth Budget," he said.
Minister's office: 9222 9699