Packing would also cease at the associated frozen lines in King Street, Hastings.<\/p>\n
About 350 roles were expected to be impacted because of the proposed site closures and other changes across the business.<\/p>\n
Over recent years, the manufacturing environment in New Zealand had become increasingly difficult, the company said.<\/p>\n
Heinz Wattie\u2019s is a subsidiary of US-listed The Kraft Heinz Company.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are deeply aware of the impact this would have on our people, their families, our growers and suppliers, and the communities we have been part of for many years,\u201d Heinz Wattie\u2019s managing director Andrew Donegan said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThese are people who have helped build this business over decades and our priority now is supporting them,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
The decision to start the process was not taken lightly, the company said.<\/p>\n
\u201cNumerous alternatives and options were explored before reaching this phase,\u201d Donegan said.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt is a necessary step to position our company for the future.\u201d <\/p>\n
He said high inflation globally and \u201cvarious industry challenges\u201d have all placed ongoing pressure on the commercial performance of the business.<\/p>\n
E t\u016b union delegate Kathy Perrin, who has worked at Heinz Wattie\u2019s for 46 years in different roles, said the impact on workers will be devastating.<\/p>\n
\u201cI am gutted for our workmates. Some are retirement age, paying high rents, living pay cheque to pay cheque,\u201d Perrin said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe devastating financial and emotional impact on my colleagues cannot be overstated.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe average length of service is around 30 years. There is nowhere else to go.\u201d<\/p>\n
Perrin said workers were disappointed with how Heinz Wattie\u2019s handled the closures.<\/p>\n
She said the company had also let down its long-serving seasonal workers.<\/p>\n
\u201cSeasonal workers who have worked here for over 20 years are being made redundant without financial compensation,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey have been let down.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe company should be making sure they receive compensation and that a fair process is followed supporting those who will be impacted by this change.\u201d<\/p>\n
E t\u016b director Finn O\u2019Dwyer-Cunliffe said the announced closures were a massive blow for workers and the wider communities.<\/p>\n
\u201cThese workers have given decades of their lives to this company. For many, this is the only job they\u2019ve known,\u201d O\u2019Dwyer-Cunliffe said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe impact on them and their families will be severe.\u201d<\/p>\n
Around 220 growers in the Canterbury region alone supply the Christchurch site.<\/p>\n
The ripple effects of the closures would be felt across entire communities, O\u2019Dwyer-Cunliffe said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is part of an unfortunately familiar pattern of local manufacturing shutting down across Aotearoa.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019ve seen it with Carter Holt Harvey at Eves Valley, Sealord in Nelson, Kinleith Pulp and Paper, and now Heinz Wattie\u2019s.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Government has been asleep at the wheel while local manufacturing collapses around the country.\u201d<\/p>\n
Founded by Sir James Wattie in 1934, Wattie\u2019s is well-known for its tomato sauce, baked beans, spaghetti and a wide range of fruit and vegetable products.<\/p>\n
According to accounts filed with the New Zealand Companies Office last year, Wattie\u2019s New Zealand business paid out more to its suppliers and employees than it received in customer payments in its 2024 financial year.<\/p>\n