Rodburn and Springhill Farm: A Partnership for Better Snacking and Smarter Solutions

For over 40 years, Springhill Farm has been synonymous with delicious, healthier snacking. What started as a simple farmyard treat for school children created by founder (and loving grandmother) Jo, has grown into a second-generation Australian business based in Ballarat, Victoria. While their batch sizes may have increased since those early days, Springhill Farm’s passion for “Making Snacking Happier” remains at the core of everything they do.

Springhill Farms has grown from a humble food service brand into a favourite across Australia. You’ll find their snacks in over 5000 retailers nationwide, and you may have even been served one of their treats whilst in hospital, at a work conference, in hotel rooms, as a snack after donating blood at Lifeblood or whilst you’re flying at 38,000 feet on our national airline.

But behind the scenes of this growth lies the challenge of maintaining the highest food safety standards while ensuring its factory operates at peak efficiency.

The Challenge: Managing Complexity in Food Manufacturing
As an AA+ BRC accredited business, Springhill Farm operates under stringent global food safety standards. This means they need to maintain excellence across all aspects of product safety, integrity, and quality. However, with increasing manufacturing inputs, rising costs, and the ongoing cost-of-living crisis, keeping their factory spotless while managing costs has become more complex.

Springhill Farm trialed contract cleaners to increase production time but were faced with an overuse of chemicals, inefficiency, and concerns about chemical contamination.

Managing these issues requires not only the right supplies but also the expertise to handle them.

Springhill Farm’s + Rodburn: A Partnership for Efficiency and Safety

This is where Rodburn stepped in.

When Springhill Farm faced issues with the new cleaning crew, Rodburn stepped in to provide on-the-job training for the team. More than just a supplier, Rodburn observed procedures, offered expert advice, and worked with Springhill Farm to ensure proper chemical dosing to not only improve their cleaning efficiency but also reduced the risk of contamination.

“ As a trusted supplier, they’re always a step ahead, looking for better solutions that are both economically and environmentally sustainable.” Said Fiona Whatley, General Manager of Springhill Farms

“Without being prompted, Rodburn takes the initiative to analyse our usage, identifying areas where we might be consuming more than necessary. They don’t just supply us—they actively help us find ways to reduce wastage and save costs.”

The Impact: Real Results in Cost and Waste Reduction

The Springhill Farm partnership with Rodburn has yielded tangible results, benefitting both Springhill Farm and the environment—a cause both companies are passionate about. Thanks to Rodburn’s tailored solutions, Springhill Farm has seen significant improvements, including:

• 63% reduction in hand towel waste and a 9% cost saving with a new product Rodburn sourced for us.

• A switch to new gloves that has cut costs by $200 per week.

• Custom-made glove dispensers that were 50% cheaper than a previous supplier’s quote.

As for the cleaning crew, with Rodburn’s support, they’ve dramatically improved chemical usage and cleaning efficiency, which has boosted overall production time.

Looking Forward: A Shared Commitment to Sustainability

Springhill Farm is committed to achieving a carbon-neutral future. They’ve recently completed a carbon audit and are working on a plan to reach zero emissions. Their collaboration with Rodburn continues as they explore more environmentally sustainable products and procedures. This partnership not only helps reduce costs but also aligns with our shared vision for a greener future.

“Rodburn go above and beyond to assist in problem-solving. They always make time to talk through any challenges, helping us resolve issues quicker. With every visit, we always learn something new.”

“As we continue to grow, we’re excited to have Rodburn by our side, ensuring that we can focus on what we do best: making snacks that taste great and are healthier for everyone.”

Belinda Coutts, Springhill Farm Quality Manager