Fonterra Consulting with Staff on Potential Site Closure

1 March 2016
Fonterra Consulting with Staff on Potential Kaikoura Site Closure

Fonterra has met with staff at its Kaikoura site today as consultation with them starts on a proposal to permanently close the site.

Mark Leslie, Director New Zealand Manufacturing, says Fonterra will be discussing the proposal over the coming weeks, with a decision expected mid-March.

“This is a difficult process for our people and supporting them is our priority as we work through the details,” says Mr Leslie.

“We will be discussing all options and opportunities available to our staff around their future employment, as well as providing the support they need to make decisions should the closure go ahead.”

Fonterra Kaikoura employs 22 full time staff and typically operates between three to five months a year producing a small volume of specialty cheese. Moving this production to other sites would bring significant cost savings for the business and its 10,500 farmer shareholders.

“The proposal to close the Kaikoura site has not been made lightly and is one intended to help generate cost savings for the benefit of all Fonterra farmer shareholders,” says Mr Leslie.

ENDS

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