17 Mar 2021

Union hopes new buyer could rescue Whakatane Mill jobs

From Morning Report, 6:42 am on 17 March 2021

Unions say a new buyer could find a use for machinery at the Whakatane Mill, saving both an important asset and jobs.

The owner of the Bay of Plenty-based mill confirmed yesterday that it will cease production on 21 June and is expected to close by the end of that month.

The First Union and E tū say more than 150 skilled workers face redundancy - but the plant could be used by the forestry supply industry.

First Union spokesperson Jared Abbott spoke to Susie Ferguson.