By Dora Houpis
Two merged scrap metal recycling companies in Laverton North and Brooklyn will be able to expand, creating more green jobs following a state government funding boost.
The combined business of Pacific Metal Group in Laverton North and Cougar Recycling in Brooklyn and Port Melbourne employs 36 people and is expected to get funding as part of the government’s $250 million Business Growth Fund.
Pacific Metal Group chief executive Jason Whitaker said the funding will provide welcome support to the businesses’ operations.
“Pacific Metal Group, through its metal recycling facilities in Victoria, has the opportunity to be a leader in decarbonising steel,” he said.
“With the support of the Victorian Business Growth Fund this project will create skilled, green jobs for Victorians.”
Tarneit MP Sarah Connolly said the funding will support local workers.
“Pacific Metal Group is a great local business and it’s fantastic for workers to see this support for its growth,” she said.
Southern Metropolitan MP Nina Taylor said Cougar Recycling has a long history.
“Cougar Recycling has established its reputation over decades – this investment will allow the business to continue its evolution.” she said.
The investment is expected to enable the business to upgrade processing and collections infrastructure to produce cleaner and more valuable recycled metals, with potential for further acquisitions to better support suppliers and customers.
The business will continue to be run by existing management who have been in the industry for more than 30 years and are passionate about decarbonising steel production.
Australia supplies about seven per cent of Asia’s recycled metal imports and Victoria provides about one third of all Australian recycled metal exports.
Established in 2020, created via Spirit Super and Aware Super and managed by independent fund managers Roc Partners, the Business Growth Fund program invests in successful small and medium-sized businesses which are ready to grow.
Details: business.gov.au/grants-and-programs/Victorian-Business-Growth-Fund
