Lactalis will close its Echuca factory, putting more than 70 jobs at risk. However the French-owned company will invest $85m over the next three years in its other Victorian sites.

A detailed review of operations led to a plan for one regional hub in the state, and having accounted for milk processing capability, operating costs, and site layouts, the Bendigo sie has been chosen. CEO Mal Carseldine said the investment, mostly focused on Bendigo, would offer more jobs, a new production line, and more yoghurt and custard capacity established at the Bendigo site.