The state-of-the-art warehouse and manufacturing hub has technology which should help Seed Force dramatically increase its capacity, according to operations manager John Wilson.
Mr Wilson gave The News a tour of the facility yesterday, demonstrating features of the new site, including electric folk-lifts with telescopic arms and digitised tracking of all pallets.
The new technology, coupled with advances in manufacturing seeds, which involves coating it in pesticides and fungicides, has dramatically lowered the number of work-hours required to fill a typical order, giving the business the capacity to adjust to increased demand.
The changes were necessary to fill growing demand, Mr Wilson said.
The business exports to New Zealand, Holland and France, selling a wide range of seeds for growers, including grasses — short-term and perennial — legumes, herbs, forage crops, broad acre crops, turf and grazing cereals.
More than 110 guests attended the opening, including Federal Member for Murray Damian Drum, who cut the ceremonial ribbon, along with City of Greater Shepparton Mayor Kim O’Keeffe.
‘‘Success stories such as this are testament to the opportunities that exist within Greater Shepparton and strengthen the council’s ongoing message through its ‘Great Things Happen Here’ campaign that we are open for business,’’ Cr O’Keeffe said.
‘‘Investments such as this create incredible flow-on effects for local businesses which continue to keep our local economy strong and growing.’’
Nationally, Seed Force employs about 30 people with 15 at the business’ headquarters in Shepparton.
See next week’s Country News for a full feature on the new Seed Force facility.