By XAVIER SMERDON
HE IS known for making the largest bratwurst in Australia, and thanks to some new funding from the Federal Government Tom Wagner will be able to boast that he is the most energy efficient sausage maker too.
The owner of Wagners Fine Foods in Hoppers Crossing, Mr Wagner moved to Australia from Germany and set up his business in 1993.
Last week Prime Minister Julia Gillard announced that Mr Wagner would receive $41,000 to install solar panels at his manufacturing facility.
The solar panels will reduce Mr Wagner’s grid electricity use by about 90 per cent and result in savings of around $9000 a year.
Nufarm Australia from Laverton North will also receive up to $43,000 in funding to upgrade control systems on their boilers.
The funding was part of the Clean Technology Investment Programs.
“This program is assisting local manufacturers make the transition to a low carbon economy by investing in energy efficient equipment and low emissions technologies,” Ms Gillard said.
“With this funding, Wagners Fine Food and Nufarm Australia can improve their energy and carbon efficiency and reap the benefits of reduced energy costs.”
Mr Wagner makes traditional German bratwurst, sausages and cranskys but he is most proud of his XXL Bratwurst.
“It is about half a meter long and weighs about 300 grams, which is about twice as big as a normal sausage,” Mr Wagner said.
“It is definitely the longest and biggest in Australia.
“We only use quality Australian meats too. When you buy a sausage from the supermarket it is usually made up of cheap fillers.”
