Horsham export hay processors Johnson Asahi is expanding its Victorian operation and has further cemented its commitment to the region with the new factory which will double the exporter's capacity to over 200,000 metric tonnes per annum.

Work will start in the coming months, with the facility being completed in 2022 ready for the new season hay of that year.

The project will see an additional 20 full-time equivalent long-term jobs created, taking the Horsham workforce to 50 employees. During the construction phase an additional 80 jobs will be created.

Johnson's Managing Director Mark Johnson said the expansion was a commitment to ensure the future of the export hay industry for our loyal growers in the Wimmera region.

MORE NEWS:

"We have been exporting from this region since 1995 and we have built solid relationships with many growers and we see the next generation as an important part of the industry going forward," he said.

"We have committed over $20 million to the Dooen project so far and we look forward to commissioning the new plant."

The expansion, the first of two stages will be built by the Ahrens Group, a South Australian based and nationally established industrial construction company who will use local sub contractors where possible so local companies benefit from the project.

The processing plant is being built by export hay industry specialists, Schutz Industries.

OTHER NEWS:

"Schutz Industries have built many plants around Australia for the export industry and are leaders in this field. We are working closely with them to utilise the latest technology for efficiency and safety in our factory," Mr Johnson said.

Mr Johnson said he would like to thank all of our staff, loyal growers and suppliers who had helped get the company to where it was today and looking forward to an exciting future.

Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content: