Global confectionery giant Mars Inc has insisted job cuts at a site in Australia were needed to “secure the long-term future” of the facility.

Mars has cut 38 jobs from its plant in Ballarat, a city in the Australian state of Victoria.

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The company said the changes were needed to remain “competitive and financially healthy in a tough global environment”.

“Our people are integral to our business and decisions like this are not taken lightly,” said general manager Michael Ryan. “We have remained transparent throughout this process and kept them aware of possible changes for the past year, in line with our principles.”

Ryan said Mars’ Ballarat business has had “a significant focus” on costs during the past three to four years and is now “better positioned to be more competitive and sustainable”.

The firm did not detail when the changes will be come into place.

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