By Deanne Jeffers
ONE of the Goulburn Valley’s long-standing businesses is making waves in the industry, adding jobs and increasing its capacity to service more businesses than ever.
Gouge Linen and Garment Services, a family-owned company with roots dating back to 1945, has completed a major expansion at its Mooroopna commercial laundry, creating 32 new jobs across production, logistics, sales and administration. This expansion has pushed its workforce beyond 450 people – cementing its role as one of the region’s largest employers.
Thanks to upgraded equipment and increased space, the facility now processes a staggering 400 tonnes of linen and garments every week—100 tonnes more than before. Industries from healthcare to hospitality and food processing all rely on Gouge’s services, and now they’re getting even more support thanks to the business’s boosted output.
With new washers, dryers, ironing lines, and folding equipment in place, the company continues to build on its near 80-year legacy in the Goulburn Valley, evolving from a local dry cleaner in 1945 to a commercial powerhouse with laundries in Geelong, Melbourne, and Mooroopna, along with distribution centres across Victoria and into southern New South Wales.
This expansion is another example of how businesses in the Goulburn Valley area growing, creating employment opportunities, and reinforcing the region’s importance in Victoria’s economy.
State Treasurer and Minister for Regional Development, Jaclyn Symes, praised Gouge’s commitment to region growth. She said, “We’ll always support regional businesses and regional jobs—because they’re the backbone of our strong economy and help our local communities thrive.”
Gouge CEO John Calleja echoed that sentiment, highlighting the company’s focus on innovation, job creation, and staying proudly local. He said, “This expansion has allowed us to grow our local workforce, drive innovation and take our expertise and linen and garment services to more customers and communities while remaining proudly local and family owned.”
The upgrades were funded by Regional Development Victoria’s Regional Jobs Fund, which has supported similar business investments in the region including Cannatrek’s medicinal cannabis facility and Flavorite Tatura’s glasshouse.
