Silverwater. Metcash works on new submission

Andrew Reitzer, CEO, of Metcash, based at Silverwater, believes his proposed $215 million takeover of the struggling Franklins supermarket chain would greatly enhance the competitive landscape in Australia and provide a much-needed counterweight to the powers of market heavyweight Woolworths and Coles. Last month the ACCC said the deal was likely to result in less competition for the supply of packaged groceries to independent retailers in NSW. Metcash is currently working on a new submission.

North Ryde. Consolidation of wine brands

The French beverage group, Pernod Ricard, has moved to arrest the decline in sales of its leading wine brands and restructured its disparate operations to create a global premium wine division, to be known as Premium Wine Brands. Pernod Rickard Australia is located in North Ryde.

Region. EOI in Woolworths centres

Expressions of interest have been called for 34 Woolworths anchored shopping centres including Carnes Hill Marketplace, Pemulwuy Marketplace, West Ryde Marketplace, Windsor Marketplace and Woolworths Leura, on completion.

Eastern Creek. $42 million investment proposed

The Department of Planning has on public exhibition an application by Goodman Property Services for stage 1 subdivision works, including new road works, stormwater management and landscaping at the Bungarribee Industrial Estate (Huntingwood West). The estimated capital investment is $42 million

Region. Manufacturing contracts

Manufacturing, which is the dominant industry in Western Sydney, contracted nationally in September for the first time this year, hurt by a strong Australian dollar and rising costs. The Australian Industry Group-PricewaterhouseCoopers Australian Performance of Manufacturing Index fell 4.4 points in September from July to 47.3. A reading below 50 separates contraction from growth. Steep falls in food, beverages, fabricated metals sub-sectors and clothing and footwear pulled back the index.

Castle Hill. Gloria Jean's expansion

With the brand proving successful in China, Gloria Jean’s Coffees, based in Castle Hill, is preparing to sub franchise. Dash Brands, the company’s master franchise partner in China since 2008, has the goal to open 50 stores within the next three years. Reysas Turizm, has renewed its master franchise agreement for up to 20 years and committed to significantly grow the number of coffee houses, in Turkey. Gloria Jean’s Coffees has master franchise partners operating in 39 countries.

Eastern Creek Metcash distribution centre

Goodman Property Services proposes to construct a warehouse and distribution centre for Silverwater based Metcash NSW, at Huntingwood West. The estimated capital investment is $65 million. Operational full-time equivalent jobs total 600 workers