Crowdfunding Campaign to Save Dunedin Factory

In a bid to preserve local manufacturing, a crowdfunding campaign was initiated to save the Dunedin factory, which was facing closure. The campaign was spearheaded by local city councillor Jim O'Malley along with a group of dedicated volunteers. Their goal was to secure enough financial backing to keep the factory operational on a portion of its site. The campaign successfully raised NZ$6 million, demonstrating significant community support and commitment to maintaining local jobs and production capabilities. However, despite the substantial funds raised, the effort ultimately faced insurmountable challenges. Mondelez, the parent company, imposed stringent production and supply requirements that the campaign could not meet. Additionally, there were difficulties in sourcing the necessary manpower and machinery to continue operations effectively. As a result, the campaign was abandoned shortly after its launch, highlighting the complexities involved in transitioning from corporate to community-led manufacturing efforts. This situation reflects broader trends in the food manufacturing industry, where local factories are increasingly at risk due to corporate restructuring and globalization, impacting local economies and employment.