But not before owner Saputo Inc cleans it out of any machinery or equipment of value.
Saputo chief executive Lino Saputo has confirmed his company is preparing to realise the closed site.
There has been community concern the site, which dominates every aspect of the town would simply be mothballed, as Murray Goulburn has done with some previously vacated factories, and deteriorate into an eyesore.
Mr Saputo said last week the company’s global practice on redundant factories was to close them and then remove the equipment and machinery, and then sell the property.
The Rochester factory closed about 12 months ago.
The Canadian processor bought Murray Goulburn for $1.31 billion after suppliers overwhelmingly voted to sell the co-operative last April.
In an advertisement to the region at the time, Saputo touted its credentials as the ‘‘largest dairy processor’’ in Australia, including being the owner of the country’s oldest dairy processor Warrnambool Cheese and Butter, as well as Murray Goulburn.
‘‘We believe the combination of these two iconic dairy companies is a positive development for all our farmer suppliers and unites some of Australia’s best loved brands,’’ the ad read. ‘‘As a supplier of Saputo Dairy Australia you can expect our commitment to pay competitive prices for milk, a dedicated team who understand the dairy industry and integrity in every aspect of our business relationship with you.’’
At the time of the sale to Saputo, MG chief executive officer Ari Mervis said current suppliers could expect terms ‘‘no less favourable’’ than their current situation until July 2023.
Saputo has previously committed to pay a competitive milk price that is no less than the greater price of the offer to Warrnambool Cheese and Butter, which was already owned by Saputo, or the final weighted average of the farm gate milk price published by the two largest processors in the relevant region.
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