The mayor of Hastings says she is "devastated" for the wider community after it was announced the McCain vegetable processing plant would close in 2027.
The company refused to disclose how many roles would be impacted at the factory on Omahu Rd in Twyford, which processes more than 50,000 tonnes of vegetables annually.
"We don't have the confirmed numbers at hand yet, but when we look at the combined impact, we are talking in the hundreds," said Hastings Mayor Wendy Schollum.
Speaking to Breakfast, she said the plant shutdown came as a "huge shock", and would have a "knock on effect" throughout the community’s wider food production economy.
"But more importantly, it's not just those who are impacted at the plants directly, it's the knock-on effect through the wider economy.
"We're talking growers, we're talking transport, and we're talking about all the local businesses that support these plants," she said.
"We are desperately concerned for the families and the individuals who are impacted, but also Hastings has proven time and time again that we are resilient and we are adaptable.
"I think we will come through this, but it is going to be hard times ahead," she added.
In a statement yesterday, McCain said: "The decision follows a strategic review of our Hastings operations and reflects a shift in how McCain will supply its vegetable portfolio within Australia and New Zealand. After carefully considering a range of options, we determined that transitioning to a different supply model is the most responsible path forward and best supports the long-term vision of our organisation."
Factory on Omahu Rd in Twyford processes more than 50,000 tonnes of vegetables annually, including peas, beans, sweetcorn, and carrots. (Source: 1News)
A region in turmoil
Schollum said the immediate concern was for those directly affected by the closure, with one eye also on the future of the industry for Hastings and the wider Hawke's Bay region.
"This is devastating for our community. This really is especially on the back of the Wattie's announcement."
She was referring to the proposal to discontinue production of frozen vegetables, Greg's coffee, and hummus - a move expected to affect 350 jobs nationwide.
The proposal would lead to the closure of three manufacturing facilities located in Auckland, Christchurch and Dunedin. Packing would also cease at the associated frozen lines in King St, Hastings.
"You know, we are known here in Heretaunga and Hawke's Bay more widely for food production and innovation, and this is the core of our local economy.
"We've also got to have that long term view. We've got to be continuing to advocate for the conditions we need in our region to thrive."
She called for "stronger investment in this country and renewable energy".
"Because that is the way that we are going to make sure that regions like ours retain these important jobs. Our strength here in Hastings is that food production, is that innovation, and we've got a real pathway here for our people but we need that renewable energy."
Central Hawke’s Bay Mayor Will Foley echoed this idea, saying the McCain closure would "have a massive effect on our district, which is already trying to grapple with the Wattie's restructure".
"There are examples like this right across our district. We’re a tight-knit community and when any one part takes a hit like this it hurts all of us.
"There’s a chain of people affected; growers, contractors and people that sow the seed, trucks, processors," he said.
Last year, Hawke's Bay peach growers also received termination letters from Wattie's as the company downscaled its canned peach production.
It was a huge financial blow for almost 20 orchards across the region, as many had only just recovered from Cyclone Gabrielle.
The morning's headlines in 90 seconds, including a coroner rules what likely happened to a missing pair, a MAFS expert dies, and legal action’s launched over football World Cup ticket prices. (Source: 1News)
SHARE ME