After more than a century in the Mid North town of Laura, iconic South Australian ice cream maker Golden North is set to relocate its manufacturing operations to Murray Bridge, a shift that marks a new chapter for the business and a moment of transformation for the Laura community.
The move comes as Golden North looks to future-proof its operations and better align with its milk suppliers, who are now largely based in the Fleurieu Peninsula and Meningie. The relocation will see the company move into the former Beston Global Food Company site in Murray Bridge, a transition that will unfold over the next 12 months and is expected to be completed by mid-2026.
For Golden North, the decision is about growth, opportunity and longevity.
According to Director Dimi Kyriazis, the company is investing in the future of South Australian dairy, preserving our legacy while embracing innovation.” With increased production and storage capacity at the new site, Golden North is aiming to expand its reach both nationally and globally, all while continuing to use 100% South Australian milk.
While this marks an exciting milestone for the brand, the move also brings significant change to the community of Laura, a town where the Golden North factory has been more than just a workplace. It’s been a major employer and a symbol of local pride for generations.
Approximately 80 staff work at the Laura facility, with 50 full-time equivalent roles affected. Golden North has committed to supporting its employees through the transition, including potential redeployment and assistance with relocation.
Recognising the impact this will have on the region, the Malinauskas Labor Government has announced a $1 million support package to assist the Laura community during the transition. The funding will go toward community infrastructure projects designed to attract new residents and businesses to the town. In addition, impacted employees will have access to a suite of services, including career transition support, mental health resources, and a dedicated job and skills hub.
The move to Murray Bridge provides a silver lining for former employees of Beston Global Food Company, which ceased operations earlier this year as the new Golden North facility is expected to create fresh employment opportunities in the region and help revive the local economy.
Robert Brokenshire, President of the South Australian Dairyfarmers’ Association, believes the relocation represents a “win” for the state’s dairy industry. “We need a long shelf-life milk processor and Golden North’s move will enable this,” he said.
As South Australia’s regions brace for the shift, one thing is clear, Golden North’s commitment to staying local and scaling up sends a strong message about the future of food manufacturing in this state. And for Laura, while this marks the end of an era, it could also be the beginning of a bold new chapter.
