Marlborough-based seafood company Kono NZ is being sold to Talley’s it has been announced this afternoon.
About 300 staff across Blenheim, Havelock and Golden Bay face a wait to find out about their job prospects.
But bosses at Kono say they’re working closely to make sure most staff are offered new roles.
More than 250 roles have been created at Talleys, with opportunities for people in Blenheim, , Motueka and Golden Bay as well potentially other areas of the food business.
Securing employment opportunities for affected staff beyond the sale was a key factor says Kono NZ Chief Operating Officer Andy Wotton.
“We’re really pleased that Talley’s will take on the overwhelming majority of our valued staff and that the roles will stay within the region.
“Talley’s is a leading player in the industry and they’re firmly committed to this area and its long-term development.”
“[Nelson] Food and beverage company Kono NZ, an associated business of Wakatū Incorporation, produces and exports Kono New Zealand Greenshell™ Mussels.
The sale of the seafood assets forms part of a wider strategic reset for Wakatū, to ensure its portfolio of businesses align more closely with its 500-year vision Te Pae Tawhiti.
Talley’s CEO Tony Hazlett says he is pleased to welcome the Kono team into Talley’s.
“With national and global demand for Greenshell™ Mussels, we were looking at how to meet that demand through our state-of-the-art Blenheim-based mussel plant, which can have up to 450 staff working there on four product lines.
“With capacity at our mussel facilities we are thrilled this deal with Kono will enable us to employ hundreds of skilled local people, keeping them in our region.
Kono and Talley’s will be working together to ensure continuity for people, suppliers and customers throughout the sale process and beyond.
The sale of Kono Seafood does not impact other Kono businesses. Kono Horticulture, Hop Federation and Tohu wines continue to operate as usual.
The sale is set to be completed on May 22.
Written by Paula Hulbert.
