The Australian Minister for Regional Development Rory McEwen was impressed by the developments at Port Lincoln Tuna Processors.
As a former resident of Port Lincoln, Mr. McEwen said he recognised the importance of the diversified cannery that now produces more than just tuna, and was the largest private employer with more than 200 workers.
â€There is a can-do attitude here and as you can see this is cutting edge,†he said as he watched an automated robot arm pick up and package a dozen cans in one swift move. “Locals may not really know what they've got in their own town.â€
Among the items inspected by the minister were the new pouches of flavored sauces for stir fries and even spaghetti sauces also packaged in a pouch.
General manager Lindsay Guillot said the factory continually had to battle cheaper imports and publicity campaigns had been mounted recently to convince people to buy locally produced product. “I think Australians given the choice will buy local, you just need to have the marketing strategy there so people know what is and what is not made in Australia,†he said.