Westland Milk Products

Westland Milk Products’ purpose is Nourishment Made Beautifully for Generations. Rather than focusing on being ‘‘just’’ a commodity producer, the purpose takes it in the direction of producing ‘‘nourishment’’, which could mean that, in future, dairy might not be the only part of its story. The purpose then seeks to differentiate Westland from other producers by drawing attention to the collective story of its place, history, landscapes and the generations of people who have produced its milk and the generations to come it will produce for. A farmer-owned co-operative formed in 1937, Westland has 350 shareholders and some 500 staff. Its base is Hokitika where it has its primary manufacturing plant, but it is also located at Izone Industrial Park, Rolleston, where there is a reverse osmosis plant, UHT milk and cream facility, warehousing and distribution facilities and offices for Canterbury staff. There is also an office and staff in China.

Westland Group also includes ownership of make-at-home yoghurt company EasiYo and is a part owner, with Ausnutria, of blending and canning company Pure Nutrition Ltd, at Izone.

Westland commenced trade as a butter producer, later adding bulk milk powders. However, it is increasingly moving into highly differentiated valueadd nutritional products.

It has enjoyed considerable success in the NZ consumer market with Westgold, its ‘‘everyday gourmet’’ butter; and is gaining momentum overseas with exports of infant and toddler nutritional products, UHT milks and creams, and colostrum.

The co-operative is governed by a board of eight directors; five shareholders elected to the board and three professional director board appointees.