Industrial Visit: Yakult Factory Trip 30 June 2025

On Monday, 30 June 2025, the Master of Engineering Management Student Community organised an industrial visit to the Yakult factory in Dandenong, Victoria 3175. This facility plays a crucial role in Yakult’s regional operations, supplying all products sold across Australia and exporting approximately 10% of its total production to New Zealand by air.

Twenty-three motivated students participated, eager to explore how engineering management principles are applied in a dynamic manufacturing environment. The experience enriched their understanding of production systems, quality control, and effective supply chain coordination.

Students journeyed through each stage of the manufacturing process, from raw material handling to final distribution. Yakult Australia embodies a lean manufacturing philosophy, exemplified by its focused production of just two product types: the original Yakult and Yakult Light. In supply chain terms, these are known as stock-keeping units (SKUs).

By sourcing 99% of its ingredients locally, the factory champions domestic suppliers and secures reliable access to materials. The sole imported ingredient, the live Lactobacillus casei Shirota bacteria, is flown in from Japan, ensuring the utmost quality and consistency.

A highlight of the tour was witnessing the cutting-edge automation in Yakult’s packaging process, where robotic arms efficiently stack finished Yakult bottles onto pallets. This innovation not only boosts speed and accuracy but also enhances safety, effectively reducing manual labour and repetitive tasks.

Given that Yakult is a fermented milk drink with a short shelf life of only 45 days, products are shipped immediately after production using refrigerated trucks for large retailers like Coles and Woolworths, and refrigerated vans for smaller outlets.

Throughout the visit, students engaged passionately with factory staff, posing insightful questions about supply chain strategy, lean systems, and logistics. This trip was not just an educational opportunity; it served as an inspiring way to wrap up the semester. As a sweet finale, students were treated to the delightful taste of freshly made Yakult products at the factory, making the experience truly memorable. A heartfelt thank you to all who participated and contributed to the success of this visit. We look forward to seeing you at our next event, where we will continue this journey of inspiration together.