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Howard will be taking the reigns at a very crucial time in the history of the 100-employee milk and cheese factory in Malanda, which is just about to benefit from a multimillion dollar upgrade.
The new investment will improve the site’s production capacity and efficiency for the Co-operative’s range of white and flavoured milk products, all of which are produced in North Queensland from local farmers’ milk.
“I appreciate the responsibility that comes with heading North Queensland’s only local dairy processor,” Howard said.
“It’s going to be a big change for our family, but we’re looking forward to it,” Howard said.
Howard said the change would introduce new challenges because while the Allansford factory focussed on cheese production, the Malanda site predominantly processed milk.
“My wife’s family are dairy farmers and I have a very strong interest in the entire process that goes into producing high quality milk,” he said.
“Milk is quite unique as it is totally different in its protein and butterfat components during different seasons.
“My job as site manager will not only be to ensure the factory runs safely and efficiently, but also that we produce a consistent, fresh and high quality end product for customers all year round.
“They’re pretty big shoes to fill given that last year Malanda’s Whole White Milk won the Grand Champion prize at Australia’s Grand Dairy Awards.”
Dairy Farmers’ expansion into the region also includes a new million dollar distribution centre in the Townsville suburb of Garbutt, along with an upgrade to its Cairns depot.
