Government and council help was crucial to artificial meat makers opting to set up their new $20 million factory in Wodonga.
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The chief executive of Sydney-based v2food Nick Hazell said there were a number of factors that saw Wodonga chosen ahead of more than 50 other locations considered by the company.
They included help from state government agency Regional Development Victoria.
"There were quite a few requirements for location, firstly availability and stability of utilities, local sources of skilled, experienced contractors, access to transport networks, access to skilled workforce and infrastructure," Mr Hazell said.
"Aside from satisfying these selection criteria, Wodonga was chosen because of the willingness of authorities to assist.
"Before committing to the purchase we met with Regional Development Victoria who were extremely helpful and have continued to be involved.
"They facilitated meetings with the council and the utilities which were very useful.
"It certainly created a very positive mindset towards Wodonga."
Mr Hazell said the factory would be a mix of new and old structures at the site.
"We will use the current building though there will be significant renovation to convert it into a food-grade manufacturing and research facility," he said.
"There will be some new construction too.
"There will be $20 million spent over the next six months to refit the factory to become food grade and install equipment."
Mr Hazell said "where possible" Border contractors would be used for refurbishment and construction of the plant which is tipped to have 40 workers when it opens.
The pseudo meat of v2food went on sale at Hungry Jack's in October after a launch with federal Industry, Science and Technology Minister Karen Andrews.
The government has linked with v2food via the CSIRO which had provided research nous to the joint venture part owned by Hungry Jack's founder Jack Cowin.
"This isn't about taking a share of the existing meat market, this is an additional opportunity to create a new market that could add $6 billion to our economy by 2030," Ms Andrews said.
Wodonga mayor Anna Speedie is delighted at the prospect of another big food manufacturer to join Vitasoy and Mars in the city.
"We're incredibly excited to see further confidence in the city through this investment, particularly from an innovative industry such as V2," Cr Speedie said.
"We are working with the business to assist them in a seamless introduction as they set up.
"New industry and investment means more jobs and more opportunities."
