A Motueka ice cream factory is the latest in a run of manufacturing closures for the region.
Talley’s announced in April this year that their ice cream business - NZ Creameries - home to Deep South and Motueka Creamery - had transitioned to their dairy business - Open Country Dairy.
At the time, Talley’s said the move allowed them to “better align our expertise and continue delivering the same great ice cream”.
On Thursday, Talley’s chief executive Tony Hazlett confirmed to Nelson App that ice cream production from the Motueka facility will be moved to the North Island.
“Ice cream production from the Motueka factory will be moved to the company’s North Island factory to be closer to the source of dairy raw materials,” he says.
The Motueka factory employs 25 people, he said.
“All staff from the Motueka ice cream factory have been offered opportunities across other parts of the Talley’s business.”
The announcement comes as Sealord confirms the loss of 79 jobs with the closure of its coated fish factory this Friday and another 48 jobs with the seasonal closure of its wetfish factory now confirmed.
Sealord confirmed with staff on 13 October that the wetfish and by-products factories, and its fresh fish trawler the Thomas Harrison, will become seasonal.
The wetfish factory will close on 5 December and reopen in May in line with when the Thomas Harrison will restart fishing operations. A total of 48 roles have been disestablished instead of the 59 initially proposed.
Sealord chief executive Doug Paulin says it’s very sad for those affected and tough implementing such significant change.
“It’s not easy for anyone involved, however it’s the right thing to do for our remaining people, our shareholders, and the company itself. We’re pleased that a significant number of staff have been offered permanent and seasonal roles with other businesses in the region while others have put their names forward to work in the wetfish factory over hoki season.”
West Coast-Tasman MP Maureen Pugh says production ceasing in Motueka is another “blow” for the community.
“This facility has been a landmark employer and a source of local pride, so its closure is very unsettling.
“Navigating the recession certainly focuses attention on the effectiveness and efficiency of all aspects of a business. Making these tough calls is never easy, especially when employees and their families are impacted.
“While I appreciate that Talley’s has moved quickly to offer staff new jobs within their other local businesses, this does not diminish the impact of losing the factory itself.”
Nelson MP Rachel Boyack says the loss of more jobs is “devastating” for the region.
“My thoughts are with those affected and their families. The economic situation created by the Government is wreaking havoc our region, and they’ve offered no plan to turn things around.”
The moves follow the closure of the Carter Holt Harvey Eve’s Valley Sawmill in Brightwater in favour of moving processing to their North Island facility. The closure saw more than 140 people out of work.
