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Sun-Ray Products (Durham) |
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There was a buttermilk business started at Meaford, known as the Longworth Milling Co., that decided to relocate to Durham, Grey County. In 1936, the company transferred their industry there. Mr. Albert Longworth was appointed manager. The company made buttermilk powder, semi-soldi buttermilk and Vita milk blocks. The buttermilk powder was mixed with animal feed to increase growth. A HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF DURHAM (1994) mentions that the buttermilk was gathered in tank trucks from creameries within a 100 mile radius of Durham. An evaporator was used to condense the milk and then it was run over rollers to dry it and turn it into a powder. During the summer months there was enough milk to keep the plant operating 24 hours a day, with four men on a shift. In 1960, Mr. Quennell bought the buttermilk plant, and in the early 1960s, after Mr. Quennell's retirement, Mr. R.A.L. (Max) Player was manager. During this period the production method was changed, so that instead of condensing sour buttermilk, the milk was gathered while still sweet, and made into a sweet buttermilk powder. This eliminated the strong odour associated with drying sour buttermilk. The sweet buttermilk powder was blended with animal fat and fed to calves. Due to its high fat content, the calves could grow faster and be marketed in a shorter time. The change to sweet buttermilk resulted in a large increase in the powder business, and 22 workers were required to operate a double shift. The plant unfortunately was destroyed by fire in 1974 (or was it 1971?). The business was then transferred to Walkerton, Ontario. The name "Sun Ray Products" was introduced in 19_. Another book, DURHAM CENTENNIAL HISTORICAL REVIEW, 1972, p. 43 and 96 mentions the fire that destroyed the "Animal Milk Products Limited" plant (Ralston Purina Plant) that was located on south Garafraxa Street, January 21-22, 1971. The plant was one of Durham's biggest industries and was built in the 1930s and modernized in the 1960s. |
