More than 30 jobs are at risk at packaging producer Jamestrong Packaging's Hamilton factory after plans to move the operation to Hastings.

Staff were told about the proposal to close the factory on Monday.

Jamestrong Packaging's Foreman Rd operation produces the ends of tin cans. Its Hastings plant makes cans for food companies.

There are more than 30 employees at the Hamilton site. It is understood that some have been working at the site for more than 17 years.

Managing director John Bigley? said the company was not reducing staff numbers but if staff wanted to stay with the company they would have to move to Hastings.

Bigley said the company wanted to review its business operations and the proposal was a business decision.

Staff would be consulted over the next few weeks. If the decision is made to close the factory it would shut by the end of the year, Bigley said

E Tu packaging spokesman Joe Gallagher said the union was awaiting consultation documents.

The union represents a small number of staff at the site, he said.

"We'll just have to work through the consultation and see what opportunities are available.

"The reality is not everyone will want to move. People are at different stages to their working careers. It's a difficult one."

The Jamestrong Hamilton factory opened in 1999. It was previously owned by Ardagh Armstrong.

 

Source : stuff.co.nz

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