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Summarised by Centrist
Heinz Wattie’s says it will close manufacturing sites in Christchurch, Dunedin and Auckland, along with frozen packing lines in Hastings, in a move expected to cost about 300 jobs over the coming year.
The company said the decision followed consultation with staff and unions and would see it exit its frozen vegetables, coffee and dips businesses in New Zealand.
Managing director Andrew Donegan said the closures were the “only way forward for the long-term viability of the business” after reviewing feedback and alternative suggestions. He said the changes were difficult, particularly because many of those affected were long-serving and highly skilled employees.
The closures will be phased in over the year, so final redundancy numbers are not yet confirmed. Heinz Wattie’s says it will look for redeployment opportunities where possible, especially in Hawke’s Bay, with almost 50 workers from the Hastings frozen packing lines expected to be redeployed or retrained.
The company says affected staff will be offered redundancy packages, counselling, career transition support and redeployment assistance.
The report does not set out the specific reasons behind the company’s decision beyond Donegan’s reference to long-term viability, and it does not break down exactly how many jobs will go at each site.
