International food giant Heinz Wattie’s is moving production from Australia to Hastings, in a move which the town’s mayor says will benefit the Hawkes Bay.
The company announced the production of sauces, beetroot and some canned products will be moved from plants in Victoria, Brisbane and New South Wales.
Hastings mayor Lawrence Yule is delighted by the move, saying the announcement shows Heinz Wattie’s “confidence in our local economy and our ability to deliver on the world stage”.
The move, he says, “comes hot on the heels of a major investment by McCains and further cements Hastings as the food production capital of Australasia".
Australian growers and unions are unhappy over the move, with horticulture organisation Growcom calling the decision a “devastating blow”.
Heinz chief executive Nigel Corner said the decision came after an international review of the company’s operations, and is a critical step in the company’s plan to become more competitive and accelerate future growth in the Australian and New Zealand markets.
Heinz operates a number of factories across Australia and New Zealand, and shares production between the two countries.
The changes are expected to be implemented within twelve months.
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