Granose profits took the biscuit

CONSTRUCTION of the Warburton Sanitarium Health Food factory began in early 1925.
In an amazing feat, production started in June of the same year. The demand for Granose biscuits was huge and it was decided a factory in Victoria was needed.
Signs Publishing Company’s pastor A W Anderson pushed for Warburton as the site and proposed the use of a hydro-electric plant to supply the factory’s power, and the sharing of office space between Sanitarium Health Food and the Signs. The suggestion sealed the deal.
The demand for Granose continued to grow and the factory was quickly running at full capacity.
Moving against the drought-driven downward trend in manufacturing and agriculture, Granose’s advertising targeted the mothers of young children and boosted its popularity.
Through the Depression, Warburton SHF again went against the trend with full employment due to Granose’s popularity.
The original factory building came to a watery end in November 1934 after the Yarra River burst its banks. Construction of the new factory began in 1936 and was in full production by 1938.
Through the 1980s and 1990s, the factory earned itself the reputation as an efficient and effective workplace. Its closure in 1997 then came as a shock to many people, especially the employees who were working overtime on the day it shut down, and as such there are still lingering questions over its closure.
The building is recognised by the National Trust as one of unique design and an excellent example of the architecture of its day.
The building will be given a new lease of life by the Crockett Group as the refurbishment of the building into a reception and conference centre proceeds this year.