One of the hallway walls is decorated with the words "create delicious moments of joy’’.
The factory stopped creating those last night, as pineapple lumps became the last pieces of confectionery produced there.
Machine operator Andy Spek has spent much of his life at the factory, securing a job 28 years ago, straight out of high school.
"I grew up here basically. Learned all my life skills.’’
The closure had not kicked in yet, he said.
The corridors of the building were nearly empty yesterday, but the faint smell of milk chocolate could still be detected.
Campbell McPhee, who had worked there for 33 years, said there was a lot of reminiscing on the last day of production.
"I think everyone is keen to actually finish now, because it’s been a year in the making and people want to move out and move on with their new lives.’’
Worker Bora McLay was filled with sadness yesterday morning.
"I can’t say I’m happy. There’re so many things going through my head of what I can do, especially with what I’ve achieved with this company.’’
Staff at the factory yesterday commemorated the occasion with a morning tea.
Site manager Judith Mair said the team was in a "reflective phase’’.
"We’ve had our moments of shock and sadness, but the team picked up very quickly after the announcement last year and got back to business as usual.’’
The history of the factory weighed heavily throughout the last few weeks, she said.
"We’ve had generations of families that have been part of our workplace.’’
Workers had a "proud sense of connection’’ to the factory, she said.
"A lot of small businesses around Dunedin started because engineers and others were involved in projects on our site and that gave them the momentum to start up their own businesses,’’ Ms Mair said.
"When I reflect back on the 150 years I just feel enormously proud of the founding values of this place, of Richard Hudson, of the Cadbury family, and I would hope if they could see us today they would be proud of the legacy we have left.’’
After Easter about 35 staff would be left to continue the decommissioning of the factory.
Dunedin Mayor Dave Cull said it was a sad day for the city.
"It means a huge amount to Dunedin and has been the livelihood for generations of people.
"It’s right in the centre of the city. You can see it, you can smell it, it’s been an integral part of the Dunedin manufacturing scene for over 100 years.’’
It was also sad because of the "misguided’’ decision by Mondelez to close the factory, he said.
"It was a profitable plant and they’ve let go of an exceptionally good workforce.’’
The company canvassed staff who already left and said 90% had either found employment, had retired or were actively taking time out.
Through its training schemes, 245 staff left with external qualifications and 25% of the staff still there yesterday had already secured new roles, Mondelez said.
Mrs McLay noted how quiet the factory was on the final day of production.
"It’s echoing in my office now, it’s quite empty. It’s just sad to see that emptiness in the factory.’’
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