“The Shepparton Fruit Preserving Company was officially incorporated in February 1918 and the statutory meeting was held with the following directors being elected: Messrs. Z. Akers, C. Palling, W. Macdermott, R. C. Brown, D. J. O’Dea, A. Lees, W. F. Ford, T. H. Ray and T. C. James.
“The company commenced its canning operations modestly, with a paid-up capital of £678/19/-. To support its growth, the company relied on loans from the State Government and bank advances, which were guaranteed by the government. By 1929, the company had paid off all its debts and became self-sustaining.
“By 1933, the company had strengthened its financial position, with a paid-up capital of £78,666/15/6 and a reserve fund of £130,000. After reaching the profit-making stage in 1924, the company accumulated £304,098/6/5 in net profits. The company owns 24 acres of land, including a six-acre factory, and has invested £233,613/13/8 in buildings, machinery, and plant. Despite significant depreciation, the company continues to modernise, spending £32,000 last year on upgrades.
“Production figures reveal impressive growth. In its first year, the company processed 350 tons of fruit, a figure that had grown to 9204 tons by the previous year. The tin production also skyrocketed from 432,000 tins in its first year to 10,750,000 tins. The company also packed jam in 1920, which has grown to several million tins annually. A record quantity of 19,000 cases of fresh fruit was received in one day, and a staggering 25,000,000 cans were produced in one season.
“At peak production times, the company employs up to 600 people, with annual wages and salaries totalling around £60,000. Railway freight costs range from £20,000 to £25,000 per annum, and the company uses over 2000 tons of sugar yearly. The company’s canned fruit is sold across Australia, with approximately half of it exported, mainly to Great Britain, as well as to New Zealand, Canada, India, and the East.”
Geoff Allemand is an amateur photographer and Lost Shepparton Facebook page admin. Please share your Pics from the Past at pastpics@mmg.com.au
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