Tongala Nutrition Revives Former Nestle Factory
Source: The DairyNews
In a promising development for a small central Victorian town, Tongala Nutrition has acquired the once-shuttered dairy factory previously owned by Nestle. The factory, which had once been a major employer with over 100 workers, is set to reopen its doors in July under new ownership.
Phillip Gomizel, the chief commercial officer of Tongala Nutrition, expressed optimism about the venture, stating that they anticipate employing 15 individuals initially, with plans to ramp up to 30-40 within the first 12 to 18 months, and potentially reaching 50-70 employees in the near future if all goes well.
The company has ambitious plans for production, aiming to manufacture a range of products including breakfast drinks, high-protein milk, fortified milk for children, hospital feeding products, and dairy exports, with a target of producing 20 million units in the first year alone.
For the Tongala community, the revival of the factory holds both economic and sentimental significance. Patricia McMeeken, a former factory worker, reminisced about the heyday of employment opportunities at the site, underscoring its importance to generations of residents.
David Simkin, vice-president of the Tongala Development Group, emphasized the broader positive impact of the factory's reopening on community morale, noting that it will contribute to a more vibrant local economy and sense of pride.
The revival of the dairy factory is particularly significant in an area where dairy farming is a cornerstone industry. Tongala and the surrounding Goulburn Valley region have long been associated with dairy production, with numerous milk processors operating nearby. Andrew Tyler, former chair of Murray Dairy, highlighted the enduring importance of the dairy sector to the local economy, underscoring the significance of Tongala Nutrition's investment in the region's future.
The company has ambitious plans for production, aiming to manufacture a range of products including breakfast drinks, high-protein milk, fortified milk for children, hospital feeding products, and dairy exports, with a target of producing 20 million units in the first year alone.
For the Tongala community, the revival of the factory holds both economic and sentimental significance. Patricia McMeeken, a former factory worker, reminisced about the heyday of employment opportunities at the site, underscoring its importance to generations of residents.
David Simkin, vice-president of the Tongala Development Group, emphasized the broader positive impact of the factory's reopening on community morale, noting that it will contribute to a more vibrant local economy and sense of pride.
The revival of the dairy factory is particularly significant in an area where dairy farming is a cornerstone industry. Tongala and the surrounding Goulburn Valley region have long been associated with dairy production, with numerous milk processors operating nearby. Andrew Tyler, former chair of Murray Dairy, highlighted the enduring importance of the dairy sector to the local economy, underscoring the significance of Tongala Nutrition's investment in the region's future.
