Dundee’s Orange Grove defies the odds to rise from ashes of despair
The dairy’s capacity has been greatly enhanced with the factory being about 1040 square meters in size, merged with the storage facility of about 2400 square meters.
Five years after a devastating fire ripped through Orange Grove Dairy in a day Dundee will never forget, the iconic business is fully operational.
An ‘official re-opening’ was hosted on Saturday with Dave and Sue Durham and their management team of Orange Grove pleased to show guests, which included suppliers partners and friends, around the ultra-modern facility.
Anton Lee of Orange Grove recalled that fateful day, April 1, 2019, when a fierce blaze crippled the dairy.
“It was unbelievable. I went to Dave (Durham) at 5 am and said ‘Dave, there is nothing left’. He just looked at me and said ‘We are going to do this, we can do this’.
“Plans were swiftly put in place to ensure milk brought to Orange Grove from around 40 dairy farmers could be processed at 11 facilities around the country.
“48 hours later we have Orange Grove milk on the shelves, labels printed, you name it. It was amazing how our colleagues in the dairy industry came together showing overwhelming support and goodwill as did our customers and suppliers.”
The Orange Grove slogan ‘Can-Do’ was put into good effect as determination and vision overcame adversary.
Manufacturing and packing milk for various retailers and producing a range of yoghurts, fruit juices, amahewu, and health drinks which are sold throughout KZN and now in Gauteng and Mpumalanga, Orange Grove employs (in Dundee) 408 workers and 734 in total.
Nampak Liquid blow-mould bottles in their factory at the Orange Grove premises that was commissioned in 2006. That too was destroyed in the 2019 fire but was re-commissioned two years later.
Klaus Plenge, managing director of Tetra Pak Southern Africa, said the company had a 40-year relationship with Orange Grove.
“The rise back from the ashes what we have witnessed here is a story of resilience, friendship and vision. Tetrapak is certainly pleased to be part of this remarkable story.”
Dave and Sue Durham, who this year mark the 97th anniversary of Orange Grove, were profuse in thanking all those who have stood by and supported the business over the past five years.
“I can proudly say we are no longer in cripple mode. We are here and fully operational. I just have to write the book now!”
The day ended with the Durhams hosting guests at their home with a spit braai and music by renowned local musician, Lucky Mathambo.
See this week’s print edition for more details and photos of the rise of Orange Grove
