Eagle Foods has created a food production facility in Mayfair Park at a cost of $2.5 million.

The tortilla wrap manufacturer has employed 12 people and general manager Charles Barton said there was room to expand to 150 employees.

“There’s no reason why this site couldn’t employ 100 people in four years’ time,” he said.

“We’d like to expand here and become a major player in the market again.

“We have enough capacity to supply all the major users in this country.”

The business is located at the former Rosita’s Australia site, which was sold to Mission Foods before the business relocated to Melbourne.

Former Rosita’s staff, including Mr Barton, are involved in the new venture.

He said the company was considering options for a corn chip line, which would cost a further $2.5 million.

“We’re just about to start tortilla production,” Mr Barton said.

“We’ve been running samples and Wednesday will probably be the real start up. We want to be bigger and better.”

Mr Barton said the business aimed to supply products under various brand names to the major supermarkets, with food service industries such as hotels and restaurants a key focus.

He said the company would be happy to be a co-packer which produced for other businesses.

“If it all goes to plan, we will be here for a long time,” Mr Barton said.

“The market’s grown like mad and I don’t believe the quality of the product that’s being supplied now is as good as it was. 

"The market is four or five times the size it was.

“We think we can provide the quality we used to." 

Bendigo Business Council executive officer Patrick Falconer said the news was positive for the city.

“It’s good for Bendigo and Bendigo businesses,” he said.

“Other companies will need to provide services to the business, which is positive.”