Fonterra to begin rebuilding Takaka factory

Takaka residents today welcomed news that Fonterra will begin rebuilding its fire-ravaged dairy factory next week.

After meeting Fonterra this week, Tasman Mayor John Hurley told yesterday's full Tasman District Council meeting that the dairy giant would be "working like beavers" to get the factory up and running again.

Work on the foundations would start next Friday, he said.

Much of the $80 million factory was destroyed by fire on July 21.

Fonterra has announced its intentions to at least partially rebuild it.

Fonterra general manager of manufacturing in New Zealand, Brent Taylor, said the factory would be in operation again some time between October and Christmas.

Details on the capacity of the rebuilt factory and how many people it would employ would be announced on July 25, he said.

Golden Bay residents this morning expressed cautious optimism at the news.

Golden Bay Community Board chairman Joe Bell said it was great news for the community after the shock, loss and uncertainty the fire had caused.

"I think it's an excellent starting point."

Mr Bell said the factory's workers had built up a reputation as being skilled and reliable, and Fonterra's decision to retain part of the production at the factory was a tribute to them.

- nzpa