Pure Dairy says its new state-of-the-art manufacturing and cheese processing facility is on track to open for production in April next year. The Victoria-based, 13,000 square metre facility is in Dandenong South’s industrial precinct, with Pure Dairy saying it will feature cutting-edge technology, never seen in Australia.
Structural work has been finished, and most internal fitouts are nearing completion – including the installation of specialised automated processing equipment. Pure Dairy told Food & Drink Business the equipment is not seen anywhere “in this part of the word” and “will play a part in making Australian and New Zealand finished dairy goods more competitive domestically and export markets”.
The company says it’s the largest privately funded investment into Australian dairy for 40 years.
Pure Dairy chair, Andrian Josephson, says working closely with customers – across all parts of the dairy industry - to perfect their businesses, gave the company the necessary insights to “combine the most efficient equipment and best practices” in a facility of its own.
The Dandenong South site is also close to the new rail hub, “which will allow us to efficiently and cost effectively move dairy products across the country and to shipping ports for exports,” he says.
Milestones
Construction: The main structure is now complete, and internal configuration of the factory space has begun, along with the development of a test kitchen to support dairy innovation.
Equipment installation: Specialised, fully automated processing systems are being installed. These systems will increase efficiency and ensure the output of consistent, high-quality dairy products across all lines.
Sustainability initiatives: Committed to taking the lead in environmental responsibility, Pure Dairy is installing energy- and water-saving technologies throughout the facility. Its solar installation will reduce power requirements by 35 per cent.
What’s next
The next stage of the project will involve the finalisation of equipment installation and operational testing of the production lines, followed by a phased increase in production capacity.
“Pure Dairy is passionate about local produce. We also see a wealth of untapped potential for Australian dairy on both the domestic and international markets. Beyond the positive economic impact on the local community, Pure Dairy’s new facility is set to reinvigorate our position as a leading nation in the supply of high-quality dairy products,” he says.
Once fully operational, the facility will manufacture a variety of premium products – including plant- and dairy-based products such as mozzarella, cheddar and specialty cheeses – for both domestic and international markets.
