Author | Natalie Savino

MORE than 250 jobs will be created when paint giant Dulux moves into the Merrifield estate.

The company will build a $165 million facility in the developing suburb, north of Mickleham, which is expected to create 200 jobs during construction and a further 64 ongoing full-time positions — including 53 operational and 11 management/technical roles.

The facility will supply trade and retail clients, with the investment secured through financial support from the Department of Economic Development.

DuluxGroup managing director Patrick Houlihan said it was an important investment that would set up the business for decades to come.

“We’re very pleased to have the support of the Victorian Government for this significant investment in manufacturing,” he said.

Industry minister Lily D’Ambrosio said the government was working with the sector to create jobs and drive growth.

Construction of Merrifield is under way, with stage five titles due this month.

The new mixed-use city spanning 770ha will include 4000 homes and will create up to 20,000 jobs.