#PotatoProcessing #AgriculturalInnovation #JobCreation #WesternAustralia #SustainableAgriculture #EconomicDevelopment #NativeForestTransition #IndustryGrowth
In a significant boost to Western Australia’s agricultural sector, Bendotti Exporters, operating under the renowned WA Chip brand, has been awarded close to $2 million in funding. This injection of financial support aims to bolster the company’s potato processing capabilities, facilitating expansion, and creating approximately 12 new jobs within the local community.
The funding will empower the Manjimup-based company to modernize its potato processing line, thereby amplifying production capacity and opening doors to fresh employment opportunities. WA Chip, a key player in the region’s culinary scene, specializes in supplying premium French fries to a diverse array of establishments, including cafes, restaurants, and pubs across Western Australia. With an annual processing capacity of up to 20,000 tonnes of locally cultivated potatoes, the company stands poised to further solidify its position as a cornerstone of the state’s agricultural landscape.
Stephen Bendotti, accompanied by representatives from Westpac and RSM, joined in the celebration alongside Donelle Buegge, the esteemed Manjimup Shire President. This landmark funding not only fortifies Bendotti Exporters’ position in the market but also underscores the government’s commitment to fostering innovation and growth within the agricultural domain.
Furthermore, this initiative aligns with the broader objectives of the WA Government’s Native Forest Transition program, which seeks to support sustainable practices and facilitate the transition to new industry paradigms within native forest regions. With eleven businesses in the native forest region benefitting from a collective funding pool exceeding $9.5 million, the initiative heralds a new era of opportunity and prosperity for stakeholders across the sector.
Bendotti Exporters’ receipt of substantial funding marks a pivotal moment in Western Australia’s agricultural narrative. By investing in potato processing innovation and local job creation, the company not only strengthens its own position but also contributes to the economic vibrancy of the region. As the agricultural landscape continues to evolve, initiatives like these underscore the resilience and adaptability of the sector, propelling it towards a more sustainable and prosperous future.
