Burnside (Sentry Hill)
Dates: 1898-1902
Location: 22 Kelly Road, Sentry Hill, Taranaki (-39.040992, 174.218872)
Registration No: 793
Brand names: ?
Burnside (Sentry Hill) Condensed Milk Factory
The Burnside (Sentry Hill) Condensed Milk Factory was opened in November 1898 as one of Taranaki’s earliest attempts to expand dairy production beyond traditional butter and cheese making. Founded by entrepreneur Donald Munro, the factory was built near Sentry Hill to process milk supplied by local farmers into condensed milk, a product that was attracting growing interest in New Zealand and overseas.
Early optimism and skepticism
When production began in late 1898, local newspapers reported considerable excitement about the venture. Supporters saw it as an innovative industry that could provide farmers with an additional outlet for their milk and create new employment opportunities. Samples of the factory’s condensed milk were said to have been favourably received, and the enterprise was promoted as a sign of Taranaki’s growing industrial ambition.
Early on in the venture, Mr Munro sought capital several times to take over the business and eventually sold the business in March 1899 to the newly formed The Condensed Milk Company of New Zealand Limited. Those interests included the factory, the 22 acres of land on which the factory was built and Mr Munro’s patent rights . In return, Mr Munro was to remain with the factory for a year as Manager to instruct two assistants to work the patent while receiving a salary and a royalty for each case of four dozen tins sold.
Not everyone shared optimism about the company. Some commentators questioned whether a condensed milk factory could be commercially successful in the district, noting the high capital costs involved and the uncertainty of securing sufficient milk supplies and reliable markets. Skeptics also speculated why Mr Munro wanted to sell if the venture had such a great upside.
Financial difficulties and legal dispute
The business soon encountered financial problems which mostly appear to relate to Mr Munro’s refusal to instruct others how to work the patent. Mr Munro went back to Australia and was sued for breach of contract for £500. Judgement was made for the amount claimed with costs but it’s unclear whether any monies were recovered.
The venture appeared to have turned a corner according to positive press reports in In 1900 but the company struggled to make the venture profitable, and the factory was offered for sale in 1901 eventually being bought by Messrs Irvine & Stevenson of Dunedin who operated the Henley dairy factory in Otago as well as several other non-dairy related ventures.
The factory appears to have been sold again in 1902 to Mr A.M. Ross who offered the plant for sale in December.
It is unclear what happened to the factory factory after that but as at June 2026, the concrete whey stand is still visible and some factory foundations.
Factory remains - Google Street View - February 2010
Factory site - Google Street View - June 2025
Factory site - Google Street View - June 2025
Factory was built on part of section 110 on Kelly Road near river
Deed showing section 110 where factory was located