Chief executive officer Tony Hazlett said this afternoon Talley's will consolidate its fish processing operations, and the last day for the Westport site will be Friday, May 15.
"Talley's Seafood confirms that all 92 affected staff will be offered employment opportunities, including those in roles that will remain in Westport.
"The company is working closely with employees to support their transition, including opportunities across its Motueka, Blenheim, Canterbury, Timaru and Greymouth sites, as well as at sea on factory vessels," Hazlett said.
"Additional support will include CV assistance, job search and training opportunities, wellbeing services, and some assistance with relocation and accommodation, where possible."
Talley's said ship unloads, weigh-ins, chiller and logistics functions at the site would continue.
Hazlett said the decision to stop processing in Westport followed a strategic review, and reflected productivity and efficiency improvements at the company.
"Our Westport team have made a significant contribution to Talley's Seafood over many years. This is a difficult decision, but it reflects how our business has evolved and how we need to operate into the future."
The company will continue to process fish in Motueka and Timaru.
Development West Coast chief executive Heath Milne said the outcome was tough for Westport.
"While it's positive that Talley's is offering alternative roles, the loss of processing jobs locally will still be felt across the community," he said. "Our thoughts are with the workers and families affected."
In Buller, seafood processing contributes more than $9 million to the local economy, but the impact goes well beyond that, supporting local businesses, contractors and services.
Milne said the news came at a time when Buller was dealing with economic pressures, making the factory closure particularly challenging.
This story was first published on rnz.co.nz |  |
