Cadbury has insisted its decision to restructure a number of its production sites in Australia and New Zealand was necessary to improve efficiency and “support the future of the business” in the two countries.
The confectionery giant confirmed plans to revamp three plants in the two countries – moves that will lead to the loss of around 330 jobs – but insisted the overhaul would create three “centres of excellence” at the sites.
Cadbury plans to spend A$135m (US$117m) to turn the three facilities into specialised plants. Under the plans, the factory in Tasmania would produce moulded chocolate blocks, while a second site in Australia, in the state of Victoria, will focus on making chocolate bars.
A third site, in the New Zealand city of Dunedin, will specialise in making assortments, Cadbury said.
The company is now in talks over the plans with workers and union representatives at the Dunedin site.

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By GlobalDataA spokesperson for Cadbury in the UK said the plans are intended to “remove duplication”. She added: “There will be job losses but we are very much investing for the future.”
Last year, Cadbury announced plans to restructure its business worldwide and cut 15% of its workforce and close 15% of its production sites.