Fitzgerald initially began doing temporary work in one of the two milk powder plants at the Darfield site, but when production at the cream cheese plant increased he applied for a permanent role.
The plant at Darfield is now operating around the clock to meet the demand, having added 75 per cent more capacity.
Plant manager Blake Aston said demand had grown by more than 100 per cent in the last year and five new permanent employees were needed to work the new shifts.
China's changing demographics were driving the popularity of Western foods including huge demand for cream cheese which was used in items like lollipops, drinks and moon cakes, Aston said.