Fishing company Sanford has confirmed 66 staff will lose their jobs when its processing plant in Tauranga closes.
The company has now confirmed the plant is no longer viable due to lower processing volumes and also because the plant does not meet seismic strength requirements.
Chief operating officer Clement Chia says even if processing volumes lifted, the costs associated with strengthening the building would not make the business worthwhile.
"We are very sorry to impact our staff and their families at such a difficult time, particularly when we have seen the re-emergence of community transmission of COVID-19 in New Zealand with all the uncertainty this brings.
"This has been a very difficult decision for us to make, but one we feel is best to secure our future operations in the North Island."
He says Sanford will work to help affected staff find employment elsewhere in the business or with other local businesses.
Some landing and unloading operations would continue at the Tauranga site.
Sanford says it had no intention of closing any of its other processing bases.
-RNZ
2 comments
Bulls****
Posted on 17-08-2020 14:32 | By CC8
(That's Bullswool by the way (:<)} ) Covid 19? I doubt it! Sanfords were already going down this path BEFORE May 2019. I know because until then I was contracting to deliver fish for a local Fisherman , he was told by Sanfords (and I read the letter) that they would not be able to land his fish or buy any fish from him in Tauranga after this year ( 2020).
@ CC8
Posted on 18-08-2020 16:44 | By Yadick
Reading the article I don't think they're blaming Covid19 for the closure. I would say that Covid19 was the final straw that saw the inevitable happen sooner than expected. They state a number of reasons for closure. Whatever the reason it is a shame to see them go. It was a great fish shop and the staff were always friendly, helpful and knowledgeable. They will be missed. Thank you for your service to Tauranga.
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