OUR TEAM
The fabulous people who work at Ozpak are dedicated to helping you with all of your wine bottling, packaging and distribution needs.
Find out more about us in our profiles below and do not hesitate to contact any of our team for more information.
The fabulous people who work at Ozpak are dedicated to helping you with all of your wine bottling, packaging and distribution needs.
Find out more about us in our profiles below and do not hesitate to contact any of our team for more information.
ANDREW MCPHERSON
|
Andrew began his career as an assistant winemaker in 1968. His first full time position was with Hungerford Hill Wines and from there he joined his family winery, McPherson Wines, in the Hunter Valley, New South Wales.
In 1979 Andrew set up a specialised wine machinery rental company to supply equipment and personnel on a contract basis to wineries across Australia and New Zealand. Six years later he was appointed Vice President of Production, Continental Flavors & Fragrances in the USA where Andrew was responsible for building and commissioning fruit juice plants in California and Puerto Rico. Andrew continued his career working around the world in fruit related industries with Gulf Machinery based in Tampa Florida, USA. Returning to Australia in 1989 he re-established McPherson Wines. In his role of CEO of McPherson Wines Andrew managed the construction and commission of the state of the art Ozpak Bottling Facility in 2000. Andrew moved to Nagambie in 2005 to take over the day to day management of the Ozpak facility and continues in this role today. |
|
DARREN OUGH
CUSTOMER SERVICE MANAGER 
|
Darren has been with Ozpak since the beginning, beginning his career at Ozpak in May 2000. He came from an Electrical background and this experience was invaluable as he worked on the production floor in maintenance and on the production line installation during the early days.
Over the years Darren has worked in all facets of the business, from roles as Production Manager to Planning and Scheduling to Customer Service Manager. This broad knowledge is essential in his current role as Customer Service Manager, which is primarily focused on ensuring the Customer experience is managed to the highest standard from first meeting through to completion of finished product. Darren’s seventeen years’ experience in the bottling industry is highly valued and he uses his expertise to guide customers through the many facets of the bottling process. Email Darren if you have any enquiries about bottling with Ozpak. |
|
JAKE LLOYD
PRODUCTION MANAGER 
|
Jake started on the packaging line with Ozpak in 2003, gaining a thorough understanding of the bottling process in this time.
In 2005 he moved into our wine cellar where he worked as a Cellar Hand, managing stock within the business. After two years as a Cellar Hand, he was promoted to Cellar and Wine Logistics Manager. In 2015 Jake was appointed to the position of Production Manager. His responsibilities include managing all of the processes involved in the day to day running of the production lines. He works closely with our Customer Service Manager Darren to schedule production and ensure the smooth day to day operation of the bottling lines. His attention to detail and broad knowledge of production ensure our service and products meet our world class standards. |
|
SARAH MACPHERSON
FINANCE MANAGER 
|
After growing up locally, in 2004 Sarah moved to Darwin. In the eight years she was there, she completed her Bachelor of Accounting as well as the CPA program whilst working for a family business with a diverse group of companies covering the building and construction industry, hospitality & both residential & commercial property development.
In late 2012 Sarah moved back to Victoria and at the beginning of 2013 joined Ozpak in a customer service role. Sarah also assisted with purchasing and accounts, and was promoted to the position of Finance Manager in 2014. Responsible for all the accounting and reporting requirements of the company, Sarah has also assisted with implementation of procedure improvements and the upgrade of our individualised software. Her work on these projects has resulted in an ongoing increase in operational efficiency throughout Ozpak. |
|
IAN MCELHINNEY
TECHNICAL & QUALITY MANAGER 
|
Born and raised in the fruit growing region of Sunraysia, Ian began his working life as a trainee Winemaker with Allambie Wines, before venturing into the local fruit juice industry in 1988.
Ian spent 22 years working with Irymple Citrus Products. He was involved in many aspects of product development and manufacture of a wide range of fruit juice beverages and dried fruit pastes used in breakfast cereals, biscuits and fruit snack bars. In 1998 Ian was appointed the role of Winemaker for Roberts Estate Wines, a winery designed and built by Irymple Citrus Products. Two years later Roberts Estate added a domestic and export label range to their growing bulk production, and continued to grow from there. In 2010 Ian joined the Ozpak team as our Sparkling Winemaker & Technical & Quality Manager. His extensive knowledge of compliance & procedure is a valuable asset to our team. |
|
PHIL KAJA
MAINTENANCE MANAGER 
|
As a young man Phil trained in the RAAC as a Gunner / Crew Commander for the Australian Army. Phil completed four years of service and two overseas tours of East Timor for the UN and The International Force for East Timor (Interfet).
In 2003 he joined Ozpak as a full time Filler Operator. In 2004 he was instrumental in the installation of our second bottling line and subsequently moved into the role of Production Manager. Over the last two years Phil has focused predominantly on Maintenance and Project Management, using his broad knowledge of production to oversee a range of new machine installs, as well as line and site upgrades. |
|
WAYNE CUBBIN
LABORATORY MANAGER 
|
Straight out of High School Wayne worked as a Laboratory Technician for the 2009 vintage at Tahbilk Winery. Deciding it was the career for him he was awarded the position of Laboratory Technician at Ozpak in May 2009.
After five years’ experience in this role he was appointed as Laboratory Manager in May 2014. Currently completing a Bachelor of Science majoring in Chemistry and Mathematics, Wayne has spent his working career gaining extensive experience in the wine and wine packaging industry. As our Laboratory Manager Wayne is responsible for monitoring and controlling both sparkling and still wine preparation for bottling. He manages our lab team to ensure the quality of the product is consistently maintained to our world class standards. |
|
ERIC MCELHINNEY
WAREHOUSE MANAGER 
|
Eric joined Ozpak in May 2004 and since 2005 has been responsible for our warehousing and logistics. His role is a busy one - our drive through warehouse is extremely dynamic with stock constantly moving between the bottling line, our onsite warehouse and off site destinations like the Port of Melbourne.
Eric came to Ozpak from the banking and security industry and moved to Central Victoria in 2008 seeking a clean, country lifestyle. Eric’s sporting ability is legendary, he played indoor cricket at a national level, captaining a state team for two years, and is active in local sporting clubs. Eric keeps Ozpak moving, he’s a brilliant team player and gets truck drivers, transport companies and distribution centres working together to achieve great outcomes. Eric’s attention to detail and ability to deliver is second to none. |
|
ASHLEY WOOD
PURCHASING OFFICER 
|
Ashley trained as a printer and spent ten years working with Labelhouse Printing, where he worked as a Printer and well as in Customer Service and Estimation roles.
In 2016 Ashley joined the Ozpak warehouse team, learning all aspects of our warehousing system. Ashley’s background and broad knowledge of dry goods and production resulted in him being rapidly promoted to the role of Purchasing Officer. Ashley is now responsible for all day to day purchasing of dry goods required for Ozpak’s production as well as preparing quotes and working closely in customer service with Darren Ough. His extensive knowledge of labels and production expertise is a great advantage to Ozpak and our customers. |
|
JANA PRYGODICZ
ADMINISTRATION 
|
Jana has spent her career working in administration, mainly in the telecommunication, private business and health education sectors.
She developed her love for the wine industry while partnering in a small winery in our region. Jana is expert in all aspects of administration, including personnel, marketing, conference organization, course administration and promotions. Jana’s broad experience and varied skill set is of great value to our team. Jana will greet you on arrival at Ozpak, look for her friendly welcome when you come in our door. |
