From the golden fields of Australian oats to the nostalgic memories tucked inside lunchboxes, the tale of Uncle Tobys is as timeless as the oats that bear its name.
This year the company, which calls Wahgunyah home, is celebrating its 130th anniversary.
The story of Uncle Tobys dates back to the gold rush era in Australia when two brothers, Leonard and George Parsons, left England and established the manufacturing of John Bull Oats in Melbourne. In 1861, their company, originally known as Parsons Bros, later transformed into Uncle Tobys.
Rolled oats were highly regarded as a commodity during that time and were frequently mentioned in the financial columns of newspapers.
It wasn't until the 1890s, with the expansion of the railway network, that more areas in Australia became accessible for farming. This development not only opened up new opportunities for agriculture but also allowed Uncle Tobys oats to be transported across the country.
In 1893, Uncle Tobys oats were introduced to the market by Clifford Love and Co in Sydney, marking the beginning of a rich history.
A pivotal moment in Uncle Tobys' history saw the production of oats shifted from its previous location in Sydney to the newly constructed ‘CE Clements Oat Mill’ in Wahgunyah in 1979.
With great anticipation and excitement, a workforce of 50 dedicated employees joined the ranks, ready to embark on a journey that would shape the future of the brand.
Today, Uncle Tobys , headed by Factory Manager Jean Carlo de Lima, remains deeply committed to supporting Australian farmers, particularly those in the local region surrounding the Wahgunyah factory.
The brand's oats are 100 per cent Australian, with the majority being grown and harvested within a few hundred kilometres of the factory.
This commitment to local agriculture includes the involvement of generations of Aussie farming families who contribute to the production of over 26,000 tonnes of Uncle Tobys oats annually.
The site, as of 2021, is also now powered by 100 per cent renewable electricity generated from wind power.
Since being acquired by Nestlé in 2006, Uncle Tobys has operated as a wholly owned subsidiary of the multinational company. Despite this change in ownership, the brand's dedication to quality and community remains unwavering.
At the heart of Uncle Tobys' success are the dedicated employees who have contributed their skills and expertise to the company over the years.
According to Nestle Wahgunyah Human Resources Business Partner Michael Ressom, 25 per cent of the current full-time workforce has worked at the Uncle Tobys site for more than 25 years.
“It’s a great place to work,” the employee of 20 years said.
“We are one of the largest employers in the area. Our current workforce is around 450 people, and we employ people from all different backgrounds and ethnicities.
“Not many people are aware of this, but we also offer employment across multiple streams, not just production but in finance, engineering, logistics, research and development, and so much more.
“The other thing we are exceptionally proud of is supporting local farmers and supporting the community mainly through product donation. We’ve contributed to the Men’s Shed, Foodbank, Amaranth, the local primary schools and so much more.”
Brothers Shane and Jack Landgren have been working at the Wahgunyah factory for 40 years and represent the long-standing commitment and familial ties that exist within Uncle Tobys.
“I started here as a 17-year-old,” Jack said.
“At the time I was playing footy over in Wangaratta and quite a few people who were involved in the club were working here.
“At the time we didn’t have the snacks plant or the breakfast plant. They were just paddocks. All we had was Plant 1.
“My first job was to work on the rollers, and it was all manual handling and very laborious. I’ve had an array of jobs; I’ve worked in packing, on the toasting ovens and more.
“Now I oversee the whole production of the oats plant. I’m responsible for the packing lines and the processing area upstairs. I make sure it runs smoothly, runs to budget, everyone is safe in what they’re doing and working towards company policies and procedures.”
The Landgren family, including five other family members, has collectively surpassed 100 years of service to the company, a testament to the supportive work environment Uncle Tobys provides.
“It’s a great company,” Jack said.
“The business has been very supportive and very family oriented.
“The fact that they have enabled working at the Wahgunyah factory to be a family affair for us, is one of the biggest reasons we’re still here 40 years on.”
The brand's connection with local farmers is another vital aspect of its success. Uncle Tobys works closely with farmers growing the Mitika oat, developed by the National Oat Breeding Program at the South Australian Research Development Institute.
These oats are prized for their exceptional taste and resilience in challenging Australian conditions, such as drought and wet weather.
The Uncle Tobys' team regularly visits the farmers during the sowing, growing, and harvesting stages to ensure that their exacting standards are met.
Senior Research and Development Manager John Pitcher has worked with the company for 23 years and said he loves being able to increase awareness about the benefits of oats.
“From the dehulling and cleaning of oats to the kilning and rolling process, Uncle Tobys maintains minimal processing methods to preserve the integrity of their products,” Mr Pitcher said.
“The rolled oat flakes are used in a variety of products, including porridge, baking ingredients, muesli bars, and cereals.
“The biggest favour people can do for themselves is to have breakfast. We all know breakfast is the most important meal of the day.
“Once you’ve gotten into the habit, see if you can get whole food or whole grains into your breakfast, and of course, the best wholegrain is oats. The more wholegrain you have in your diet, the better off you’ll be.”
As Uncle Tobys celebrates 130 years of providing Australians with wholesome oats and snacks, it continues to embrace its rich history while looking toward a future of supporting local farmers and delivering quality products that have become a beloved part of the Australian way of life.
From the early days of milling oats in Sydney, installing the plant in Wahgunyah in the 70s, to becoming one of the region's largest employers, there is no doubt Uncle Tobys has left an indelible mark on Australian culture.