Companies considering taking on some of the production of Cadbury confectionery in New Zealand for Mondelez International have until tomorrow (2 June) to express an interest, according to local union leaders.
Mondelez announced plans earlier this year to stop manufacturing in New Zealand, with the end of production at its site in the city of Dunedin.
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The Cadbury owner said more than 70% of the products made at the plant were exported “with the vast majority” shipped to Australia. Under its plans, Mondelez said the manufacturing taking place at Dunedin would end next year, with production moving to sites across the Tasman.
However, New Zealand’s E tu union, which represents workers in sectors including food manufacturing, has said Mondelez called for expressions of interest from companies that might be considered “to continue producing some Kiwi Cadbury products locally, such as Pineapple Lumps, Jaffas, Buzz Bars and Pinky Bars”.
“Mondelez are also offering to sell their certified dairy plant, which makes condensed milk,” E tu claimed in a statement.
Neville Donaldson, E tu’s national director of industries, said: “Mondelez haven’t made any commitment beyond checking out the possibilities, but there is a glimmer of hope for our dedicated members. This represents a chance for ongoing work for E tu members currently employed at Mondelez. It’s an opportunity for employers to increase their operation and employ loyal and skilled staff to produce the product. That’s a unique situation.”
Some 350 staff work at the Dunedin site. Under Mondelez’s plans, a “first phase” of redundancies would take place this year, with around 100 staff staying with the business until early 2018.
A Mondelez spokesperson could not be contacted for comment by just-food at the time of publication.
