Collection: Otautau Co-operative Dairy Factory Co Ltd

Overview

PROCESSING NOTE: This collection has partially been arranged and described. Please contact Archives Staff for additional details of collection content.

Dates

Majority of material found within 1913 - 1930

Otautau Co-operative Dairy Factory

The factory first began operating in 1906 and was a vital part of the agricultural community. It produced quality cheese, and in 1923 was producing 300 tonnes per year. During the Depression some of the farmers supplying the factory were "billy suppliers" who bought small quantities of milk to the factory to help bolster falling incomes.

Mr Alex Beange, manager from 1919 to 1956, helped turn the company into a thriving success. His cheese making abilities helped earn second prize in a London competition.

The factory was upgraded in 1958, but there was a steady decline in both production and the number of farmers producing, with just 12 suppliers and only 139.4 tonnes made in 1966. Otautau benefited from the closure of the Tuatapere factory, but closure came in the form of amalgamation with Edendale in 1977.

See Bibliography for References