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The Petspiration Group, which owns retailer PETstock, has broken ground on its 32,000sqm, $43.5 million national distribution and operations centre in the Avalon Airport Industrial Precinct, Geelong.
Expected to open in 2024 to meet growing demand for PETstock’s pet supplies, Petspiration Group says the centre is expected to generate 190 new jobs over the next two years.
The new facility has backing from the Victorian Government, and will include a new regional office, training hub and onsite dog daycare.
It is expected to give the PETstock owner a boost once the retailer moves from its existing centre in Truganina, and will support the company’s 200 stores, five distribution centres, 150 grooming salons, 26 vet hospitals and more than 20 pet care brands.
“Regional Victoria is where our business journey began so we are excited to expand our operations here - solidifying our deep commitment to creating local jobs and strengthening this industry,” Petspiration Group CEO Shane Young said.
It comes amid a boom in pet ownership around Australia, with peak industry group Animal Medicines Australia estimating that household ownership rates have grown from 61 per cent to 69 per cent in the past two years.
The Petspiration project adds to other recent investments in the Avalon Airport Industrial Precinct, including Hanwha Defense Australia’s new $170 million Armoured Vehicle Centre of Excellence.
“It’s great that Petspiration has chosen to expand its footprint in Avalon because it will drive economic growth and boost local jobs in the region,” Member for Lara John Eren said.
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