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Site manager Judith Mair thanked workers for ensuring the factory was a "high-performing site" in Mondelez’s network.

"[Today] will be a chance for us all to come together to farewell the 80 team members who will be finishing up.

"We’ve had morning teas for each individual department in each shift over the last fortnight to celebrate our work together and recognise the contribution of every member of our team," she said in a statement.

The factory was meeting or exceeding the multinational’s production targets.

"As site manager, I’m so proud of them all and it’s testament to the professionalism and dedication of each and every one of my colleagues here at the site."

Judith Mair

The 80 workers included managers as well as factory floor staff. They are all permanent employees. 

The factory has also farewelled many seasonal workers.

Last week, 160 workers finished their last seasonal stint.

Remaining staff  leave next March when the factory closes.

Etu union delegate Teresa Gooch said there would "tears and sadness" today as people "realise it’s over".

"Many will look back on years of camaraderie and ... the good times of working at Cadbury where workmates have been like family.

"Cadbury has been good to us. There is a real feeling of loss, so there will be grieving," Ms Gooch said.

It was hard for staff who remained as "we know we’re next and we’re also feeling for our departing friends".

But many employers wanted to hire Cadbury workers.

"I would urge people to have some faith about where they go from here.

"A lot of employers are keen to take on the Cadbury workers, due to their committed work ethic, reliability and service to the company," she said.

eileen.goodwin@odt.co.nz