Menz Factory, Adelaide
A small grocery and bakery business was opened in Wakefield Street in 1850 by German immigrants Johann and Magdalena Menz. Johann died in 1860, and their sons, William and August, joined the business in 1867 and 1878 respectively.
A large shop was constructed on the corner of Wakefield Street and Divett Place in 1878. The business continued to grow with the expansion of the factory including the acquisition of a warehouse in Divett Place and a hotel in Roper Street.
In the 1880s the company ceased the grocery business and expanded into the biscuit business.
The western corner of the building is the original 1978 shop and extensions were carried out in 1911-1912 by architect F.W. Dancker and in 1946 by McMichael and Harris.
In 1927 the factory was producing 15 tons of biscuits per week and about the same quantity of chocolate and confectionery. The production represented more than 350 products.
The chimney at the rear of the site is the only remaining one from the seven chimneys that were part of the facility.
Biscuit production was transferred to Marleston in 1953, and all remaining operations were transferred by 1979.
The site is now an educational institution.
References:
Heritage of the City of Adelaide “Former Menz Biscuit Factory – 82-89 Wakefield Street”, City of Adelaide undated.
“Engineering a City” City of Adelaide and Engineers Australia, 2009
The South Eastern Times 11 November 1932 page 4 “Menz & Co’s Factory”
Australian Food Timeline – 1850 Origin of Menz Confectionery
