Up-to-Date Dairy Factory at Maungatapere

Northern Advocate, 2 December 1936, Page 3

Up-to-Date Dairy Factory at Maungatapere

The new Maungatapere factory is the latest and finest achievement of Architect A. E. Cave, F.1.A.A., the acknowledged expert in this class of construction. His plans and ideas have been faithfully interpreted and carried out by the builder, Mr O. R. Haigh, and the final result is probably the most perfect butter factory in any part of New Zealand and probably in the world. The site, which is at the junction of the Dargaville, Mangakahia and Whangarei roads, considered in conjunction with the past record of the company, which has been one of steadily increased production, justifies in every way the construction of up-to-date and hygienic means of manufacture on such a site. The main factory is 42 feet by 120 feet, with a handsome block of offices in addition. The structure is built of reinforced concrete. The interior is finished in waterproof plaster, on which there is no room anywhere for lodgment of dust, the comers being coved or bent. A dado of white tiles, 6ft 6in high, enables the staff to maintain the vital portions of the interior in a state of perfect cleanliness. Tlie greater portion of the floor is finished in special red tiles the most perfect tile for the purpose known in the industry.

These tiles are particularly good on the staging, where large numbers of cans are handled by skidding. The cool-room is of special design. Instead of the ordinary chilling, the proper temperature is maintained by a fan which blows cooled dry air down into the room, thereby avoiding all dampness. The test-room, including the benches, is tiled throughout and special provision is made for lighting and cleaning. The whole of the ceiling is of dressed timber and masonite completely enamelled. The ventilation system is the most modern and most perfect known to the industry. It is done with louvres and pivot-hung sashes. There are 80 sashes in the main louvre each one of which can be opened in a simple manner. The ventilation is so effective that steam or fumes cannot remain in the building, the atmosphere being kept continuously free from foreign odours of any kind. An excellent spring within about 100 yards of the factory provides a neverending supply of beautiful cool water. This is stored in handsome elevated tanks the construction of which are in tone with the rest of the building. The tanks when filled weigh 70 tons. All iron, work throughout everything. including sashes and roller shutter doors, are all galvanised—no fear of rust.