Community
18 September, 2024
Shire heads to Fonterra for visit
MEMBERS of Corangamite Shire Council recently visited Fonterra Cobden’s operations to gain a deeper understanding of the day-to-day business and economic contribution it makes to the local community.
The behind the scenes tour was an opportunity for council members and staff to experience the cutting-edge technology which helps drive Fonterra’s operations, as well as the expert team which create Australian icons like Western Star butter.
Leading the tour, Fonterra’s regional operational manager Nick Hayes said Fonterra was proud of the positive contribution the local operations made to the region.
“There is a certain type of magic that happens behind the big silver walls at Fonterra Cobden that we are proud of,” he said.
“As well as producing the highest quality butter, cream, fresh milk and milk powders, we contribute around $300 million annually to the local economy.
“With around 300 people working at the site, alongside more than 100 dairy farmers in the local region, we get enormous satisfaction knowing that our carefully created dairy products are enjoyed by millions of people across Australia.”
Mr Hayes said the Fonterra Cobden operations utilise the best technology available, including robotics and automation to reduce manual handling and improve efficiency.
“Our team are experts in their fields, and with a continuous improvement focus, they have improved production efficiency by nine per cent over the past financial year,” he said.