James Harris will wind up 50 years of service at the Fonterra Stanhope factory in April.
James has played a key role in the development of Fonterra’s mozzarella production at Stanhope.
Mozarella, you know, the stringy cheese preferred for topping pizzas, is turned out by the tonne at Stanhope and his office includes a professional kitchen allowing him to prepare pizzas for the ultimate taste test.
On a busy day he might have up to 200 samples to test.
James’ interest in food technology developed when he was young.
The son of Girgarre dairy farmers, Beryl and Fred Harris, James had heard his parents talk about the milk testing and he wanted to know more about how it was done.
James attended Girgarre Primary School and Kyabram Secondary College.
After his secondary schooling, James found a job in the laboratory of the Stanhope factory when it was transitioning from the Stanhope Co-operative, to Ibis Milk.
Two years after starting work he completed a diploma with the Gilbert Chandler Institute n dairy technology.
Over the years James has progressed through cheese production manager, safety manager, laboratory manager, site supervisor, cheese quality co-ordinator and cheesemaker.
His main interest has always been in testing and assessing the products produced at Stanhope.
“You can’t afford to let quality slip back, otherwise, you are going to lose customers.”
James will have his last day at the factory in April, and formally retire later, after taking long service leave.
He is looking forward to travelling in Australia and overseas with his wife of 38 years, Barbara, and doing some volunteer work with a Kyabram church and the St Vincent De Paul Society.