Dairy Factory Workers to Lose Jobs as Lactalis Shuts Down Rockhampton Operation

AUSTRALIA - In what is being seen as another nail in the coffin for Queensland milk suppliers, a French-owned dairy business is shutting its Rockhampton factory at the end of the month, sacking all 47 of its workers.
calendar icon 5 February 2020
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Lactalis Australia said it would also scale back yoghurt production at its South Brisbane site, citing changes to milk supply within Queensland.

The timing is questionable, with the international company winning a tender to supply milk products to the Metro North Hospital and Health Service just weeks ago.

That contract was awarded to the French company, despite local company Maleny Dairies also vying for the lucrative contract.

Maleny Dairies was supported by 11 South East Queensland farms and in recent years it invested more than $9 million in factory improvements, including robotic production facilities.

But Maleny Dairies maintained it was snubbed by the State Government because it made its decision on who could deliver the cheapest milk, ignoring its own "Buy Queensland" policy.

At the time, the State Government was accused of "complete hypocrisy" by Maleny Dairies manager Peter Falcongreen.

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Source: ABC Online

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